Ignite Supporting Entrepreneurs & Leaders
Ignite Bermuda recently kicked off its fifth entrepreneurial accelerator programme by welcoming 34 start-ups to their two-day bootcamp.
A spokesperson said, “Last week, Ignite Bermuda kicked off its fifth entrepreneurial accelerator programme by welcoming 34 start-ups to their two-day Bootcamp on Wednesday, January 12th, and Thursday, January 13th as part of their core programme. The hybrid event took place online and in-person at a state of the art function room thanks to Argus Insurance. Ignite Bootcamp covers various topics, including lean start-up, customer discovery, and the importance of developing a resilient, entrepreneurial mindset.
“Bootcamp is the starting point of the Ignite programme, which brings together like-minded community members committed to developing and accelerating their entrepreneurial goals. In addition to the core programme cohort members, Ignite is excited to welcome new members to the FUEL Your Ambition Series. This monthly virtual series that runs alongside the core programme will begin next week.
Deidra-Lee Bean
“Ignite recognizes that the last few years have been extremely challenging for everyone; our community is suffering with much uncertainty and loss, yet the challenge is set for entrepreneurial and community leaders to grow success out of discomfort, uncertainty, and risk. The key for all leaders is to remain focused and motivated on the path ahead to clarify the problems they are solving and validate those solutions with their customers.
“At the end of the first day of bootcamp, the cohort was able to connect with its Resident Advisors [RAs]. These entrepreneurs have been through the programme and were able to offer advice and answer questions about their businesses as well as the programme. The RAs are James Robinson, Carrie DeSilva, Holly Mazar-Fox and Alyson Thompson.
Monique Bridgewater, Sean Reel [Ignite], Jessica Darrell, Akilah Beckles, Sheilagh Robertson, Laura Lyons [Ignite] and Cameron Smith
“At the end of the second day of bootcamp, each cohort member presented a 60-second elevator pitch to the entire group. Four finalists rose to the top based on their clear explanation of the problem they are solving, as well as the delivery of an actionable ask – Tiffany Paynter [Soham], Deliverance Investments Group representative, Dallas Scott and Enrico Escolastica [General Project System Ltd.], and Jessica Darrell [Bermuda Youth].
“Cohort 5 entrepreneurs include Akilah Beckles – The Lifted Space; Alex Marshall and Alvin Woods – Whip; Jermain and Andrea Hinds – Hindssight Fitness on Demand – Team; Antonia Holder – LiftyCase; Aruna Dismont, Gavin Smith, Deidra-Lee Bean – Good Job; Cameron Smith – Black Line Liaison; Chase Szakmary – Crit; Chelsea Crockwell – Time and Eternity, The Furmont; Dallas P. Scott, Don Ira Philip-Rodriguez, and Enrico Escolastica – General Project System Ltd.; Deliverance Investments Group; Dion Easton Jr – @DionTheCreative; Dorothy Wysocka Bradshaw – The 41st Wink – Better Sleep For Life; Gordon Johnson, Fred Brown – Emerge; Helen Ponte and Rudi Haak – Balance – Massage Therapy; Jessica Darrell – Bermuda Youth; John Edwards – The Unity Group; Emilie Faulkner-Meek and Karlandra Smith – Rise Marketing Ltd; Katherine Arnfield – Bella; Lauren Allen – Bermuda Ocean Magazine; Michel’le and Kalyn Cannonier, Kalyn Cannonier – Uplift; Mikal Minors – Bermuda Better; Monique Bridgewater – Figures Accounting and Management Services; MoNique Stevens – Bermuda Brand Box; Petrice Madeiros; Rachel Masters – Garden Gnome; Shanna Hollis – Shanna Hollis Designs; Shantel DeShield – Pocket Change BDA; Sharon Bailie – Awe in Magic; Shaunte Young – AssistantSea; Sheilagh Robertson – The Harbourmaster; Tiffany Paynter – Soham; Tomika Pacheco; Victoria Greening – Resolution Chambers; Zulema Bean – L.I.F.E.
Enrico Escolastica, Chase Szakmary, Rachel Master, Gavin Smith, and Sharon Bailie
“Ignite Bermuda would like to thank its sponsors, guest speakers, governing board, and volunteers who made the event a success. Special thanks to the Argus Insurance facilities team for being gracious hosts, helping Ignite to gather safely.
“We are excited to have such a diverse group of entrepreneurial leaders in this cohort. A few have been in business for several years and even decades, while others are just beginning their journey. At Ignite, we promote networking and encourage the cohort to work together. At the same time, Ignite offers guidance and support by way of enablement sessions while providing a safe space to work.
“For the readers, we encourage you to reach out to these Cohort 5 entrepreneurs – show them some support by asking about their start-ups and providing them with constructive feedback.”
Resident Advisors: James Robinson, Carrie DeSilva, Holly Mazar-Fox and Alyson Thompson
Just curious as to HOW MANY of these small business entrepreneurs are Bermudian? Just looking out for MY OWN.