Video: Enterprise Incubator Press Conference

[Updated] Premier David Burt is holding a press conference this morning [April 5] to introduce the new cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator, which includes eight new entrepreneurs. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.

Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the 15-minute replay is below

Update 4.28pm: A Government spokesperson said, “Earlier today, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, hosted a press conference to announce the new cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator which includes eight new entrepreneurs who will be housed in the BEDC offices for 12 months.

“The BEDC launched the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator in February 2018 to provide participants with an opportunity to take part in an intensive development process whereby they can hone their business ideas and implement strategies for success. Due to the success of the pilot, it has now become a primary part of the BEDC’s service offering.

“The 12 month programme is focused on walking participants through an in-depth development process, which ensures the entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition.

“The eight participants are:

• Nadia Laws – Media Maven
• Fiona Douglas – Care Connect
• Carl Vincent and Leanne Evans – Drop Off
• Lakeisha Wolffe – Bermuda Physically Challenged
• Arianna Hodgson – Yummy Mummy [Name is changing]
• Kim Caisey – Kim’s List
• Marquis Caines – Aye Yo!
• Sandra Dill – EDcellerate

Speaking today, Premier Burt said, “Good morning. It is my pleasure as the Premier and Minister responsible for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, to acknowledge the successful start of the 2nd cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Programme.

“Several years ago, it was determined that there was a need for a programme to help entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and bring their business solutions to fruition.

“As a result, the BEDC launched the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator in February 2018 to provide participants with an opportunity to take part in an intensive development process whereby they can hone their business ideas and implement strategies for success. Due to the success of the pilot, it has now become a primary part of the BEDC’s service offering.

“The 12 month programme is focused on walking participants through an in-depth development process, which ensures the entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition.

“As some of you may know, the BEDC was established in 1981, with the mission of inspiring, informing, supporting and growing new and existing Bermuda businesses. This is done through a host of educational programmes, seminars and workshops; mentoring initiatives; networking opportunities, financing and much more.

“And, over the last 37 years, the BEDC has assisted thousands of local Bermuda business owners and entrepreneurs – and today its passion for enhancing micro, small and medium sized businesses on the Island burns just as bright.

“The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Programme is the most recent example of how the BEDC is equipping local business owners and budding entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed in the 21st Century.

“BEDC works with the entrepreneurs through the process of developing and honing their business idea so they can best determine if it will work in Bermuda’s competitive marketplace.

“They provide participants with complimentary access to BEDC’s educational courses and programmes; provide them with free or subsidized office space; as well as personalized mentoring with local mentors including Bruce Sharpe, Chris Maybury, Felicia Rickards, David Lovell, Tyler Owen, Jvon Furbert, Kyle James, Tulani Bulford, Tee Ogunyemi, Kim Perdikou, Delight Morris and Kyle Masters.

“These individuals are entrepreneurs and industry experts in their own right and have been gracious enough to share some of their expertise and knowledge to support the Incubator participants.

“In addition to mentor support, BEDC also uses its vast database of industry contacts to find participants pro-bono or subsidized services in areas such as marketing, accounting, legal support and web development, which were all identified by entrepreneurs in a recent needs assessment.

“Those taking part in the 2019 Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Programme will meet one-on-one with BEDC’s Officers on a biweekly basis to provide updates and receive added encouragement and support.

“BEDC continues to answer the call on behalf of local entrepreneurs. We recognize that the work that the organization has been doing for the last 30 years has been a catalyst for other organisations to develop similar programmes with the shared goal of developing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“As an entrepreneur at heart, I understand the need for this type of support and congratulate BEDC for taking the lead in developing the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Programme.

“This Government supports local entrepreneurship and recognizes that programmes like the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator is an example of our commitment to support the development of local entrepreneurs and an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“At this time, I will turn it over to the Mr. Neville Grant, Chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, who will introduce you to the current participants. Thank you.”

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