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 and validate a clear idea to commercialise.

About The Competition

We’re inviting all problem solvers, big thinkers, and go-getters, like you, to participare in the annual Cayman Islands Business Design Competition. Enterprise Cayman is dedicated to creating engaging programmes that empower individuals and growing businesses to develop and launch innovative products, services, and ventures. This competition provides a dynamic platform where innovators can connect in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity—a place where individuals, local businesses, and global ventures can thrive!

Successful applicants will participate in hands-on training sessions and workshops focused on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint—a five-phase process designed to help competitors reduce the risks of bringing new ideas to market. Over four weeks, competitors will refine and validate their business concepts with additional guidance from professional advisors before presenting a final pitch to a panel of judges — think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank”!

Download Official Rules & Judging Criteria

Why take part?

Validate your Idea Faster

Access Professional Support

Meet Like-minded Entrepreneurs

Develop your Profile & Public Speaking Skills

Competition Timeline

2025 Competition Dates

1 November 2024 - Competition Opens - Application available online.
29 January 2025 - Online Info Session 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
31 January 2025 - Application Deadline
18 February 2025 - Finalists Announced (Online)
1 March 2025 - Design Day - Part One! Competitors dive into business-focused workshops centred on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint, exploring creative solutions and refining their concepts. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm*
1 March 2025 - Networking Event! Connect with fellow competitors and industry experts. 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Signal House*
15 March 2025 - Design Day - Part Two! Continuation of Ideate-focused workshops to deepen design thinking and concept development. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm*
29 March 2025 - Design Day - Part Three! Public Speaking Workshop & Pitch Day Practice with panel feedback to prepare for final presentations. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm*
30 March 2025 - Deadline for Competition Pack and Pitch Deck Submission*
5 April 2025 - "Pitch Day" - Think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank" 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at The Vault at Compass Centre
5 April 2025 - Awards Dinner (Invite Only)
7 April 2025 - Winners Announced Online

* Attendance 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. Apply Today!

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 validate and 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 JB Advisory Services.

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.

Best Storyteller Award

For a business design pitch that showcases exceptional and innovative efforts in telling a story. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by Cayman Story .

People's Choice Award

For a business design that takes home the honor of being the community's favorite, and that stands out to individuals. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize. Sponsored by Cayman National Bank (CNB).

All competition finalist received a business support "Prize Pack" valued at $7,000 which includes legal sessions, marketing support, a podcast feature on CaymanStory.com, reduced rate of incorporation, networking events, special discounts for start-ups, scholarships on courses, a complimentary Launch Labs Studios membership, and access to CEC’s Angel Investor Network. Thank you to the “Prize Pack” sponsors – Cayman Enterprise City, HSM, CaymanStory.com, HubSpot, and the Cayman Islands Investment Angel Society.

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 Submission Packs and Perfecting your Pitch Deck & Slides, Founder of Nurturely SEZC

Amrita Bhalla

Project Advisor, Founder and Managing Director of A.B Consulting

Thais Ducent

Presenter on the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development, Director at The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD)

Rich Dyer

Instructor on Market Research, Co-Founder at Massive Media

Lucía Gallardo

Project Advisor, Founder and CEO of Emerge

Dylan Jackson

Project Advisor and Instructor on User Design Experience, UX Designer, Founder of Hyperlocal and Launch Labs Incubator Alumni

Rudolph Johnson

Instructor on Business Innovation, Agile Transformation Coach, Agile Project Manager at Morgan Stanley

Zorina McCoon

Instructor on Public Speaking, Communications Executive Coordinator at Cayman Islands Government

Walker Romanica

Project Advisor, Owner of Cayman Spirits Company

David Strucke

Project Advisor and Instructor on Perfecting your Submission Packs and Perfecting your Pitch Deck & Slides, CEO & Founder at Datastreamer SEZC

Ty Thomas

Instructor, A MuscleWiki Start-up Case Study, Chief Media Officer at MuscleWiki SEZC

Ramona Tudorancea

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

George Wauchope

Presenter on The Problem & Product, Co-Founder and CEO of Emailchaser

Candace Westby

Presenter on the Intellectual Property Office, Director of the Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office (CIIPO)

Hollie Whitelocke

Programme Panelist for Pitch Practice, Strategic Communications Manager at the Cayman Islands Government

James Whittaker

Project Advisor, Founder and CEO of Green Tech Group

Qamar Zaman

Project Advisor and Instructor, Lunch & Learn on Storytelling, Personal Branding Consultant at Storytellers, INC SEZC

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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