19 Students Sign Up For New College Program
The new “StreetWise MBA™” programme in partnership with Bermuda College officially began classes this week, with the ‘roll-out’ of its first local cohort of 19 students.
The programme, which aims to help small business owners add resiliency to their operations, attracted interest from a wide-ranging group of small businesses – including philanthropic interests, security, hardware and several boutique retail stores.
Bermuda College PACE Director, Ms. Tawana Flood said the programme is timely for Bermuda. “Regrettably, a meaningful number of businesses in Bermuda fail because of ineffective financial planning and management.
“Local entrepreneurs tend to run their business activities by intuition rather than strong financial discipline—the Streetwise courses address this gap most effectively.” Topics are targeted for entrepreneurial success – strategic planning, finance and financial management, access to capital and anchor institution contracting – all tactically designed for achievement.
“There are a high number of unemployed or under-employed workers whose skill level represents a barrier to the world of knowledge-based work. Small business is more likely to be an employer of this specific population, therefore, making these enterprises more successful is a fundamental strength of the Streetwise MBA™ programme.
“We look forward to other funding partners coming on board with us shortly and this is very, very encouraging as far as tangible help for the local economy,” said Ms. Flood.
Photo: Pictured from left to right – 3rd row: Dwain Smith, ICSS Security Ltd.; Nick Kempe, Chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation; Tee Ogunyemi, Course Instructor; Alfonso Harris, Churchill’s Liquors; Kareem Johnson, Spar Yard Marine Solutions, Ltd.; Charles Leon O’Brien, Managing Consultant/Chairman – HI Group Investment & Management, LLC; Stuart McIntosh, Island Sole; Randy Spence, Miles 2 Go Towing and Quality Cutz; Doyle C. Butterfield, Gemstone Management Ltd./Oxford Learning Bermuda; Herbie Alves, Clear Choice Doors, Windows and Glass.
2nd row – Elaine Butterfield, Centre for Philanthropy; Jennifer McCarron, Animal & Garden House; Dr. Duranda Greene, President, Bermuda College; Deryn Higgins, My Sereni-Tea; Gina Cardell-Naranjo, Personal Effects, Ltd./Ground Effects, Ltd; Natalie Bennet, Island Sole; Jahnika Alves, Clear Choice Doors, Windows and Glass; Felica DeRoza, Parker’s Auto World, Ltd.; Jamillah Lodge, Course Instructor; Constance Ridley Smith, Programme Manager/Coordinator.
Front row – Mary Jo Farrow, LTC Solutions, Ltd.; Erica Smith, Executive Director, BEDC; Stacy Hill, Secrets; Roseann Harris, Jazzy Hair and Nails. Missing – Kenneth Pemberton, Gear and Gadget, Bermuda.
Programme Manager and Coordinator, Constance Ridley Smith noted that the programme’s appeal lies in the fact that each person is able to instantly adapt the course content to their own enterprise, basically tailoring and building its development as they go.
Smith said, “You don’t have to wait until you complete the entire programme before you begin to reap the benefits. You can learn something today and begin application the very next day, with an expectation of seeing things continue to develop in the right direction .”
Bermuda has become the programme’s first international partner. Students meet for three hours, twice per month in evening sessions. Their atypical classroom experiences include sessions with guest expert panellists; CEO mentoring group meetings; and preparation, readings and final growth presentations.
The programme is 95% underwritten by local organisations, including HSBC, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, and Atlantic Philanthropies, Bermuda, Ltd.
Good work BEDC – teaming up with Bermuda College using a structured, functioning program, shaking up small businesses by learning best practice and thinking outside of the tried, true and old ways.
Well done BEDC and Bermuda College! Thanks for providing empowerment to sank business. Opportunities are being provided for those who want to excel and do better thanks for providing the enviourment to do so.
Blessing Gina Spence JP,
Well done BEDC and Bermuda College! Thanks for providing empowerment to small business. Opportunities are being provided for those who want to excel and do better thanks for providing the enviourment to do so.
Blessing Gina Spence JP,