Global Entrepreneurship Week Celebrated
Bermuda joins dozens other countries in the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Earlier this afternoon [Nov 14], the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Patrice Minors, highlighted the initiative at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] offices.
Photo: [L-R] Jamillah Lodge BEDC, Joe Mahoney, Minister Patrice Minors, and 2011 Rocket Pitch Competition participants Natalie Bennett and Stuart McIntosh – owners of Island Sole shoe store.
Minister Minors said, “It is a pleasure as the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry to join the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation known as BEDC, to announce the Bermuda’s participation in the 5th annual Global Entrepreneurship Week.
“There are over 126 countries participating in GEW this week and Bermuda joins them in the celebration of entrepreneurship. Global Entrepreneurship Week officially started Monday, November 12th and will run through to Nov 18th.
“Many countries however are celebrating entrepreneurship the entire month of November and Bermuda is no different. Bermudians will join millions of other people to participate in events including workshops, networking and mentoring activities inclusive of business plan competitions.”
Minister Minors’ full statement follows below:
Good afternoon everyone.
It is a pleasure as the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry to join the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation known as BEDC, to announce the Bermuda’s participation in the 5th annual Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Since the inception of GEW in 2008 the team at BEDC has acted as a member of the Host Committee for Global Entrepreneurship Week Bermuda along with the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative.
There are over 126 countries participating in GEW this week and Bermuda joins them in the celebration of entrepreneurship. Global Entrepreneurship Week officially started Monday, November 12th and will run through to Nov 18th.
Many countries however are celebrating entrepreneurship the entire month of November and Bermuda is no different. Bermudians will join millions of other people to participate in events including workshops, networking and mentoring activities inclusive of business plan competitions.
The line-up of events this year include: educational seminars, in school presentations, interviews with entrepreneurs on the Mind Your Business radio show.
Most notably though will be the three featured events, the Rocket Pitch Competition Finals, held on Nov 15th at the Chamber of Commerce from 5:30pm – 7:30pm; the Bermuda Emerging Professionals, Make the Connection Speed Networking Event held at Cosmopolitan on Nov 16th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and the 3rd Annual Business Networking Matters Event held at the Hamilton Princess Hotel on Nov 21st from 4:00pm – 8:30pm.
I encourage you all to attend these exciting events. You can log on to the BEDC.bm for more information or call them at 292-5570.
Although GEW is celebrated worldwide during one week of the year, BEDC is responsible for assisting hundreds of entrepreneurs realize their dreams of starting their own business throughout the year, as they work to create and ensure opportunities for Bermudians.
Last year I had the pleasure of announcing the start of a new business Salon Pink. Ms. Kidst Emery received support from BEDC and tomorrow she will be celebrating her 1 year anniversary. I congratulate Ms. Emery on her hard work, vision and dedication and thank the BEDC for their continued support of Salon Pink, other businesses and many other entrepreneurs.
As evidence of such BEDC support, joining me today are Natalie Bennett and Stuart McIntosh, owners of Island Sole. They are an example of how GEW can serve as a catalyst to help people unleash their ideas.
Natalie and Stuart were third place winners in the Rocket Pitch Competition last year and have gone on to establish their business, Island Sole. I encourage other Bermudians and residents of Bermuda to realize their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
This Ministry is dedicated to standing up for Bermudians and working towards solving problems. One of the ways we can do this is to encourage entrepreneurship and the work that is done by the team at BEDC.
Although this work is part of the BEDC mandate, Global Entrepreneurship Week is an wonderful opportunity to join with the world to celebrate and encourage imagination and innovation and reward creativity amongst existing and new entrepreneurs.
Once again we acknowledge support of this week and congratulate the founders of Global Entrepreneurship Week, for providing a global stage that we can use to celebrate and highlight entrepreneurial achievements in Bermuda.
Thank You.
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