LAUNCH YOUR IDEA FASTER

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition

An innovative Ideate Programme and pre-seed initiative where entrepreneurs have access to resources to identify a clear idea to commercialise.

About The Competition

We're inviting all problem solvers, big thinkers and go-getters, like you, to take part in the annual Cayman Islands Business Design Competition. Enterprise Cayman is on a mission to develop engaging programmes that provide individuals and growing businesses with the support and opportunity to develop new products, services, and businesses. We're providing a platform where innovators can connect and offering a welcoming business environment that fosters innovation — a place where individuals, local businesses, and global ventures can thrive!

Successful applicants will take part in training sessions and workshops based on Design Sprint exercises, a five-phase process to help competitors reduce the risk of bringing new products, services, or features to market. Competitors will have one month to streamline and validate their new business ideas and work with professional advisors before presenting their final idea and "pitch" to a panel of judges — think Cayman Islands "Shark Tank"!

Why take part?

Develop your Idea Faster

Access Professional Support

Meet Like-minded Entrepreneurs

Develop your Profile & Public Speaking Skills

Competition Timeline

2024 Competition Dates

1 November 2023 - Competition Opens
19 January 2024 - Online Info Session 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
31 January 2024 - Application Deadline
13 February 2024 - Finalists Announced (Online)
20 February - 31 March - Teams meet for breakout session with their project advisors *
25 February 2024 - Design Day Part One! Competitors take part in a series of business-focused workshops on design thinking. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm *
25 February 2024 - Networking Event! 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Rackam's
11 March 2024 - Design Day Part Two! Competitors take part in a series of business-focused workshops on design thinking. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm *
23 March 2024 - Deadline for Competition Pack and Pitch Deck Submission *
25 March 2024 - Technical Rehearsal 10:00 am - 12:00pm at the Prospect Playhouse *
1 April 2024 - Pitch Day. Think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank" 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Harquail Studio Theatre (Livestreamed Online - RSVP Here)
1 April 2024 - Awards Dinner (Invite Only)
3 April 2024 - Winners Announced Online

* Attend mandatory in order to qualify for and participate in the Pitch Day event.

Additional Resources

Design Thinking "Tech Talks".
Watch the discussion online here.

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Who can apply?

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is open to all residents of the Cayman Islands over the age of 18 years. Participants may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four persons.

What type of project can I enter?

Competitors can apply by entering a new product idea, a new service, or new feature that they wish to bring to market.

You might already have an existing business and your team is considering launching a new product, OR you might have an idea for a brand new business.

How much does it cost to enter?

Thanks to the generous support from Cayman Enterprise City, the Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is 100% FREE to apply! 10 successful projects and finalists will be invited to participate each year.

What can you win?

Project of the Year

For a business design that shines above and beyond competition expectations. The grand prize for the "Project of the Year" is USD $10,000 plus wraparound business services. Sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City.

Innovation Award

For an innovative business design that is inspiring, new and/or unconventional. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by Avalanche.

Community Impact Award

For a business design that makes a difference in our local and/or global communities. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by eShore.

All finalists will receive a business support "Prize Pack" valued at over $1,500.

What do participants have to say?

"I've had people say to me, ‘Hey, I have this business idea, should I join the competition? Is my idea good enough?’ Just give it a go because it's not necessarily about winning the prize. It's about the resources they provide during the competition."

“It was an incredible experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and motivated me to turn my ideas into reality."

"The Design Weekend was amazing. Very informative, 4 years of college packed in one weekend, loved it!"

"I felt supported and well guided throughout the entrepreneurship crash course."

"I loved the "buzz" of enthusiasm in the room. The diversity of finalists, across different ages, ethnic origin, gender, backgrounds, etc., helped make us feel that we really belonged in the room, which encouraged such wonderful participation and interactivity. Thank you."

Instructors & Project Advisors

Rodney Alison

Instructor on Perfecting your Pitch Deck and Taking your Idea to the Next Level, Founder at Synergy Technology Engineering Limited SEZC

Shane "Dready" Aquârt

Project Advisor, Artist at Dreadyworld Ltd.

Jesica Coni

Project Advisor, Business Owner/Veterinary Technologist at The Mobile Vet Company

Marty Dunlop

Instructor on Prototyping & Project Advisor, Managing Director & Principal Consultant at Edge Case SEZC

Rich Dyer

Instructor on Market Research, Co-Founder at Massive Media

Ivan Eubanks

Instructor on Video Interviewing, Interim Dean of Business & Finance at The University College of the Cayman Islands

Theodora Fienberg

Project Advisor, Head of Business Development at Cayman Expertise Group Ltd.

Ian Gilmour

Project Advisor, Managing Director at Euler Digital SEZC and Advisory Board Chair at AI Forum

Dylan Jackson

Instructor on User Design Experience, UX Designer

Rudolph Johnson

Instructor on Business Innovation, Managing Director at Meta Agile SEZC

Nick Joseph

Setting-up your Cayman Islands Business Advisor, Partner at HSM Law

Charlie Kirkconnell

Setting-up your Cayman Islands Business Advisor, CEO at Cayman Enterprise City

Vlad Logvinov

Project Advisor, Founder & Managing Director at Privork

Alyssa Manderson

Competition Coordinator, Programme & Events Coordinator at Enterprise Cayman

David Manouchehri

Project Advisor, Cyber Security and Data Analyst Professional

Jonathan MacDonald

Instructor on Evaluating Start-up Ideas, Serial Entrepreneur

Fiona McDougall

Project Advisor & Instructor on Public Speaking, Owner and Director at Healthy Futures and Healthy Growth

Yaz Narcin

Project Advisor, Head of Operations & Marketing at Whisk SEZC

Mike Silagadze

Project Advisor, CEO at EtherFi SEZC

David Strucke

Instructor on Perfecting your Pitch Deck and Taking your Idea to the Next Level, CEO & Founder at Datastreamer SEZC

Ramona Tudorancea

Project Advisor, Founder and Managing Director, JB Advisory Services SEZC

Althea West-Myers

Instructor, Director at The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD)

Hollie Whitelocke

Project Advisor, Strategic Communications Manager at InvestCayman and
Adjunct Professor of Marketing at UCCI

Tanya Wigmore

Programme Consultant, Founder & Chief Growth Officer at CRO:NYX SEZC

Mário Yaksetig

Project Advisor, Cryptographer at xx network SEZC

Ian Zakovorotnyi

Instructor on Design Thinking & Project Advisor, Business Operations at EightPoint Technologies Ltd. SEZC

2024 Programme Partners

Competition Archives

A first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, the inaugural Business Design Competition took place 27 March 2021 at the Harquail Studio Theatre. View past projects and event videos by accessing the competition archives...

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