The Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative aimed at promoting and protecting products made in the Cayman Islands.
Chamber president Nelson Dilbert told attendees about Cayman Made at the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development’s ‘Small Business Expo’ on Thursday, 5 Oct., a press release said.
“There are many small businesses engaged in manufacturing things here – hot sauces or cakes using many locally grown ingredients, or perfumed soaps, skin creams and cosmetics made from coconut oil, Caymanite jewellery,” Dilbert said.
“They all share the need to create a Cayman-centred brand – something that gives the customer assurance while developing and marketing a recognised and trusted Cayman Islands brand identity.
“That’s the idea behind Cayman Made: A new marketing campaign designed to take much of the heavy-lifting out of marketing a unique, Cayman-made product.”
The Chamber of Commerce developed the Cayman Made initiative to support local entrepreneurs who create, manufacture, assemble and sell products locally.
Participating businesses will benefit by belonging to a network of local producers and creatives and sharing their experiences, suppliers and services.
Products will be extensively promoted through the chamber’s platforms and listed on the Cayman Made website, the press release said.
Participating businesses can also use the Cayman Made logo on their packaging and promotional material.
And they will be invited to participate in Cayman Made trade shows locally and abroad – enabling access to new markets that would have otherwise been out of their reach.
Businesses that can apply are those who create, design, manufacture or assemble products locally, and who hold a valid trade and business licence.
Annual subscription
There is a refundable $75 application fee (if the application is declined) and an annual subscription cost based on the category that matches the applicant’s business.
A committee of the Chamber Council, appointed by the Chamber president, will review the applications.
Dilbert shared his own experience in starting a small business – a local microbrew pub – before going on to develop Seven Fathoms Rum.
Small businesses have always been at the heart of Cayman’s economy, he said, adding that the Chamber supports them through its advocacy programme and training courses.
Premier Wayne Panton, who was also at the expo, said the government is committed to providing healthy environments for small businesses, which make up about 70% of Cayman’s economy.
He paid tribute to Cayman’s entrepreneurial spirit and said it is a place where “dreams could become reality”.
The Chamber of Commerce represents more than 600 businesses and associations across all industry sectors in Cayman.
Its members employ over 18,000 people, or about 45% of the territory’s labour force.
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This is an excellent initiative by the Chamber of Commerce, and President Nelson and team. I have been pondering the idea of a “cottage industry online marketplace” myself. Good luck with this!!