Virtual BizCamp Set For April And May
The Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative [YEI] will be offering an online and Zoom coaching version of its BizCamp program during the months of April and May.
A spokesperson said, “The Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, in conjunction with the Economic Development Department, will offer an innovative online and Zoom coaching version of their traditional BizCamp program during the month of April to May.
“Sign up at www.yei.bm.
“This blended learning model will feature the award winning BizCamp program at no cost to any aspiring young Bermudian teenagers interested in learning how to start and run their own business. During the past 20 years, over 1,000 youths have developed and presented business plans, earning certificates for participating in the YEI’s BizCamp.
“During this program, students use an online version of the BizCamp syllabus featuring video lecturers and a combination of group Zoom meetings and one-on-one Zoom workshops to develop and present their own comprehensive business plan at the end of the session.
“The sign-up begins April 1 and the program support sessions will run through the eight week period ending at the end of May. Participants will log in through the Bermuda Entrepreneurship Schools platform to learn at their own pace, about opportunity recognition, cost of goods, pricing, industry analysis, target customers, marketing, and many other aspects of running a company.
“The course is delivered in four modules with workshops offered at the conclusion of each to monitor progress and answer question.”
Joe Mahoney, Executive Director of the YEI, said, “The goal is to inspire young people to become business-savvy and understand economic self-sufficiency through self-employment. Participants are provided with a business plan template. After learning the concepts, they complete the plan with information for their own business.”
The spokesperson said, “All participants completing a BizPlan will be awarded certificates and some may be eligible to enter in the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Youth Rocket Pitch Competition during TechWeek in November 2021, where they have a chance to win prizes and venture funding up to $2,500 to further their entrepreneurial journey.
“Local entrepreneurs and financing partners will present real-world practices. One of them is Jamillah Lodge of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.”
Ms. Lodge said, “This is an awesome opportunity to see what the future of Bermudian entrepreneurship looks like.”
The spokesperson said, “There is no cost for students who participate in BizCamp thanks to the support of the Bermuda Economic Development Department and our other partners the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, HSBC Community Investment Committee, Chubb Charitable Foundation, and One Communication.
“Participants will be admitted on a rolling basis beginning the first week of April with the end of May being the conclusion.
“Electronic applications are available at www.yei.bm, or send an email to BizCamp@yei.bm.”
