BEDC’s Global Entrepreneurship Week Events
The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is gearing up for the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, which will be taking place during November.
A spokesperson said, “Launched in 2008, GEW is celebrated worldwide from November 8th to November 14th. It has grown to include over 170 host countries, 50,000 partner organizations with millions of activities planned worldwide. Since the start, Bermuda has participated in GEW, hosting the most events per capita for several years, and this year there will be plenty on offer to get involved.
“The celebrations of entrepreneurship will kick off on Thursday, October 28th with the annual Youth Pitch Preliminaries. Hopeful entrepreneurs 18 years and younger are invited to submit their business ideas and pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize and start-up service package.
“The top two finalists from the Youth Pitch Competition then compete in the Rocket Pitch Finals, held on Tuesday, November 9th. Applications for the Youth Pitch Competition will be accepted until October 11th at 5.00pm.
“The Rocket Pitch Competition, happening on Tuesday, November 9th is always an exciting time, with entrepreneurs battling to see whose idea will come out on top and take home the $5,000 cash award and a start-up package of services to help them launch their business.
“There are now seven categories: Pitch Pink, Pitch Town, Pitch Tech, Pitch Green, Youth Pitch, Pitch Co-Op, and now, Pitch Food & Bev, which has been graciously sponsored by Bacardi.”
Bacardi International Limited Managing Director, Douglas Mello, said, “We are proud to continue to show our support to the hospitality industry by sponsoring this new category in the BEDC’s annual Rocket Pitch Competition.
“Pitch F&B will be an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to share their innovative and fresh ideas with the panel of judges and bring to life dining and entertainment experiences that make moments matter for our customers.
“The hospitality industry in Bermuda has a bright future and we hope this new category will inspire the next generation to push for their dreams.”
The spokesperson said, “Applications are being accepted for the competition until Sunday, October 25th by 11:59 pm, so don’t miss out on the chance to win start-up capital for your business. This year we are partnering with Ignite to offer the selected Rocket Pitch finalists an opportunity to participate in a Pitch Bootcamp on Monday, November 1st to help them refine their pitches.
“The annual Bermuda Tech Awards will occur during Global Entrepreneurship Week on Friday, November 12th. The TechAwards, also known as the Technology Innovation Awards, provide the Government’s Economic Development Department with the annual opportunity to celebrate innovative and solutions-driven Bermuda-based companies, organizations, and individuals doing incredible things in the technology field.
“On Saturday, November 13th, the BEDC Business Awards will take place to celebrate the achievements, growth & resilience of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs. This event will feature local businesses that the public has nominated to recognize their success within the last year. We will also celebrate those entrepreneurs that have dedicated themselves to personal growth & learning by completing BEDC’s educational courses.
“In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Conference will be a day-long event on November 19th featuring great keynote speakers, along with an esteemed panel of local female entrepreneurs.
“This year’s theme is ‘Perseverance.’ It will undoubtedly be an event that will inspire, empower and elevate Bermuda’s female entrepreneurs. Leading up to the day, on Sunday, November 14th, Bacardi has partnered with the BEDC to sponsor a virtual brunch for women entrepreneurs.”
Jamillah Lodge, Director of Communication & Development for BEDC and GEW Project Manager, said, “We are eager for another exciting year of great events for Global Entrepreneurship Week. We are grateful to have so many opportunities lined up to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of Bermudians. We continue to see many entrepreneurs succeed and bring their vision to life.
“We want to inspire people to make their business ideas a reality and celebrate those that have already started on that journey. We encourage anyone interested in starting their own business, or those who want to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, to take part in the events put on during November and beyond.”
Below is a full list of the events and partner events taking place during GEW:
The spokesperson said, “For more information and to purchase tickets for events, visit www.gew.bm, email info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570.”
