Government encourages women into business
(CNS): The Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs is hosting a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session on Wednesday, 30 November, to promote women in business to mark Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Gender Affairs Minister Tara Rivers said economic participation was crucial to gender equality and the lunch was aimed at celebrating women who own or lead businesses in Cayman. Hoping to motivate and inspire other women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and act on their passion, ideas or business ambitions, a number of female business leaders will be sharing their experiences during the event.
“We know that there is great potential for women in the Cayman Islands to harness their entrepreneurial spirit and lead the charge when it comes to finding new and innovative ways to make their mark in the business world,” Minister Rivers said. “My hope for this session is that entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners will feel celebrated, empowered and supported by the government and the business community to take the necessary risks to propel themselves forward and to better their lives and those of their families.”
President of the Cayman Islands Small Business Association (CISBA), Dawn McLean-Sawney, said Cayman would benefit from more leadership, as she welcomed the discussion planned to celebrate women in business. “Breaking through stereotypes and traditional expectations, women are well equipped to lead companies and make a difference through entrepreneurship ventures,” she added.
Commerce Minister Wayne Panton said that government was doing its part to support local female entrepreneurs.
“Women’s Entrepreneurship Day recognises the substantial contribution that women make to commerce locally, as well as globally,” he said. “While government’s business initiatives and incentives are available for all … the ministry is always glad to speak more specifically with women.”
With business licences now being processed electronically, the Department of Commerce and Investment is trying to cut red tape for businesses and the small business incentive programme is still reducing the cost of licence fees until the end of next year.
“Programmes such as these encourage all persons with viable business ideas, including women, to consider entering Cayman’s marketplace,” Panton added.
Chamber President Paul Pearson said Cayman would join more than 144 countries around the world in recognising the invaluable contributions that women business owners have made to the economy. “It is important that we encourage more women to establish businesses and support them in these efforts, and I encourage women business leaders and managers to attend the event.”
The panel of entrepreneurs include Marzeta Bodden, the owner of Cayman Food Tours; Jo Ann Brown, CEO of Celebrations; Darla Dilbert, owner of Eclipze Hair Design and Day Spa; Jacqui Tomlinson-Smith MD of RVC Rehab Services, Tomlinson Furniture and Beyond Basics Medical Day Spa; and Sabrina Turner, owner of Cayman Immigration Consultant Services.
The speakers will discuss how they became entrepreneurs and the lessons they have learned along the way, and focus on topics such as funding solutions and challenges, innovations, social responsibility of businesses and others ideas that they may feel are relevant to local emerging entrepreneurs.
The inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurship Day lunch is being organised in partnership with government, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Association and takes place at The Wharf Restaurant from 12pm to 2pm. The cost is $15 and registration is required by 25 November.
For more information go to genderequality.gov.ky or register at caymanchamber.ky.
Category: Local Business
