Applications Now Open For Enterprise Incubator
The BEDC is now accepting applications for the third cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator, a free programme which offers participants complimentary access to BEDC’s educational courses, free and subsidized office space, an assigned Business Development Officer, personalized mentoring and more.
A spokesperson said, “Are you a start-up seeking to accelerate the growth of your business in its early years? Are you an early stage entrepreneur looking for a nurturing environment to validate your business idea?
“If so, then submit your application for the third cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator. This free incubator programme started by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] in February of 2018 is a twelve-month incubation programme to support local entrepreneurs and the development of their businesses.
“The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator is focused on walking participants through an in-depth twelve-month development process, to ensure that entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition.
“Eight successful applicants will receive assistance with analyzing and refining their business idea, so they can best determine if it will work in – and beyond – the Bermuda market.
“Participants are provided with complimentary access to BEDC’s educational courses and programmes; free and subsidized office space; an assigned Business Development Officer and personalized mentoring with industry experts. In addition, successful applicants will receive access to pro-bono or subsidized services in areas such as marketing, accounting, legal support, and web development and more.
“If you are looking to grow and develop your business, then the incubator programme is an exceptional option. The services, support, and training that you receive is truly a lifesaver, especially when you are not sure what your next steps should be. I would highly recommend applying,” states Nadia Laws, a member of the 2nd cohort and owner of the Media Maven.
The BEDC added, “With the second cohort ending, BEDC has seen eight new businesses launch and grow within Bermuda’s economic landscape. Since the commencement of the programme, fourteen new businesses have been launched and 65 jobs created as a result. Sandra Dill owner of Edcellerate has expanded her business offerings, now reaching a larger market connecting students with higher education.
“Drop It Delivery, by Carl Vincent & Leanne Evans, is taking over the grocery delivery business, swiftly becoming leaders in this space. Lakeisha Wolfe is making waves in the disability sector with her business, A New Life, providing additional opportunities and services for the disabled community.
“Arianna Hodgson, owner of Pink Onion, continues to develop a line of healthy smoothie cubes for adults and toddlers. Fiona Douglas, continues full speed ahead towards educating, supporting and connecting families with care information and support through her business, Care Connect. Aye Yo Bermuda – a local focused ‘Yelp’ type App created by Marquis Caines is steadily trending throughout the island and has grown to include branded merchandise highlighting Bermuda’s signature Gombey. Kim Caisey’s K.I.M.’s List, is an online resource for parents that is growing into a top resource for all things child related.”
“The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator has been more than a success. I have enjoyed working alongside my colleagues to assist these entrepreneurs grow their businesses,” says Jamillah Lodge, Director of Communication & Development at BEDC.
Carl Vincent, owner of Drop It Delivery, said: “Apply to the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Programme! The support and information you receive is invaluable. Applying was one of the best business decisions we could have made, and we are extremely grateful to have had our start in the program!”
The third cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator will start on February 1st, 2020. Applications are available online at www.bedc.bm, and for pick-up at the BEDC’s office in Sofia House, located at #48 Church Street, Hamilton. Applications will close on Friday January 10th, 2020. Interviews of short-listed applicants will take place during the week of January 13th, 2020.
There are several tax paying incubator / shared office space type business around Hamilton? I can think of 5 within three blocks of each other and one in Mills creek. I trust there are others.
In this struggling economy why would government rent and refurbish office space and spend more money that we don’t have just to compete directly against the taxpaying businesses. Why not save money by offering the same benefit and subsidize the rent for up to 12 months at one of these other locations..