Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme
The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] has launched the 4th Annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme.
A spokesperson said, “Are you looking for a way to help your student earn money for the summer? Then, look no further. The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] has launched the 4th Annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme.
“Following the success of the last three years of the programme with participating students gaining valuable insights and earning money, the programme is continuing again this year and will provide students between the ages of 16 and 25 with the resources and support to launch, grow and sustain their own enterprises.
“The Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme [SSEP] is an eight-week programme that will run from Monday, July 12th through Friday, September 3rd. The programme is designed to develop young Bermudians into the Island’s next wave of entrepreneurs. A maximum of ten students will receive quality educational training, a weekly financial stipend and startup funds to get their businesses started.
“In addition to initial training, BEDC staff will continue to support the students to ensure that they maximize the experience and earn as much as they can during the summer months. To incentivize participation, a competitive element has also been included. The students will compete against each other to earn the most profit. The three participants with the highest profits will earn an additional financial reward.”
“The goal of the programme is not just to assist participants with earning money over the summer, but also to impart an entrepreneurial mindset that will assist them as they prepare for their futures working in the business arena or as entrepreneurs,” explained Deshun Simmons, the Programme Manager and Assistant to the Communication & Development Unit at BEDC.
Businesses that were started last year by students included; homemade lactation products for expectant mothers, locally made beauty and skincare products, landscaping services, photography and graphic design, gaming, art therapy and more.
Graduate of the 2020 SSEP and Overall Highest Profit Winner, Kion Knights of Yard Barbers. stated, “Winning the program was a humbling experience and to be recognised for successfully launching a business in such an economic climate means a lot to me and my family. I will take the resources and advice that I was exposed to in the program and look to further expand my business. Hopefully one day I will be a successful businessman in Bermuda, like many before me.”
“The SSEP programme is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test,” states Mr. Simmons.
He continues, “The programme equips them with a week of intensive entrepreneurial training that shifts their mindset to prepare them for the weeks ahead of being their own boss. I am looking forward to the submissions and seeing the creative and diverse ideas our youth propose to execute over their summer holiday.”
With only 10 spots allocated each year, BEDC encourages all students to get their applications in as soon as possible. Applications are being accepted now until Friday, July 2nd by 5pm. Interested students can apply online at www.bedc.bm, contact info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570 for more information.
