CDB backs new initiative to boost Cayman Island’s MSME sector

In a significant move to bolster the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a strategic partnership with the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD). The initiative, backed by a substantial grant of nearly US$80,000, is designed to fortify the business support ecosystem, encourage inclusive economic participation, and stimulate sustained economic growth in the Cayman Islands. Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, André M Ebanks, lauded the collaboration, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s vision for a more vibrant and dynamic business environment. He highlighted the initiative’s focus on reducing barriers, enhancing access to financing, and building resilience among Caymanian entrepreneurs, ensuring that MSMEs remain pivotal in job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. The CDB’s new policy framework will prioritize empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs in non-traditional industries, while also boosting business confidence and investment. It aims to foster ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, ensuring that entrepreneurial voices are integral to national development strategies. Lisa Harding, Division Chief of Private Sector at the CDB, underscored the initiative’s alignment with the bank’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness, build resilience among MSMEs, and contribute to sustainable national development. The project is also expected to yield critical insights into the role of MSMEs in GDP, employment, and revenue generation, while strengthening the government’s ability to formulate investment-friendly policies and improve service delivery by business support organizations. Additionally, the policy development process will leverage regional expertise and technical resources to conduct a thorough assessment of the MSME landscape, identify key challenges, explore growth opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations to create a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive.