BEDC Graduation & Induction Ceremony Held
Fifty people attended the BEDC’s graduation dinner and induction ceremony for the Enterprise Bermuda’s incubator programme.
The event opened with a welcome message by the Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward, who expressed the “Government’s commitment to supporting local business development.”
Minister Hayward said, “Through the BEDC, we continue our commitment to supporting a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports creating jobs and building back our economy.
“The BEDC, over the years, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and provided millions of dollars in financial support. The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator programme is another example of the dedication to develop entrepreneurship in Bermuda.”
Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director / Keeanne Bean, CEO Graceful Bodi / Jason Hayward, Minister of Labour & Economy
A spokesperson said, “Graduates received certificates; three expressed their experience over the past 12 months.
“Juanae Simmons of iWashBDA said that the Incubator programme helped her to express herself more and that the experience attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress was life-changing.”
Keanne Bean of Graciful Bodi said, “I started with just an idea and with the help from BEDC was able to realize the start of my business.”
Rickai Edwards of Cedarbeam Advancements said, “Enterprise Bermuda helped me focus my ideas and work on those most relevant.”
“Other program graduates included Indira Swan, founder of The Cool Mom Club, Evan Heyliger, Loquat Learning, Gavin Carter, Gavin’s Butter, and Sionna Barton of J.A.G. Athletics.
“Launched in 2018 as a pilot, Enterprise Bermuda, has grown to support 32 budding entrepreneurs with its latest cohort. The program’s expansion was made possible in part to the addition of three new Enterprise Bermuda Hubs located in the Economic Empowerment Zones and enhanced programming through a partnership with Accelerator Centre.
“The partnership allows the BEDC to license the A.C.’s global program licensing platform, A.C.:Hubs, leveraging the organization’s globally recognized programming and mentorship model.”
Chantal Klasen, Accelerator Center Canada / Jason Hayward, Minister of Labour & Economy / Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director / Leanne Henderdon, Accelerator Center Canada
Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director, said, “We are absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to partner with the Accelerator Centre. BEDC’s mantra is to continue improving its offerings to grow Bermuda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, so collaborating with the A.C. enables us to do this with the E.B.I. Access to their expertise helps us provide new opportunities to Bermuda’s entrepreneurs.”
A spokesperson said, “BEDC invited representatives of A.C., Leanne Henderson, Director of Programmes, and Chantel Klassen, Manager of International Programmes and Client Experience, to Bermuda to participate in the graduation and induction ceremony. The Honorary Consul for Canada, and owner of Lili Bermuda, Mrs. Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, was present at the ceremony to assist in welcoming A.C. to Bermuda. While on Island, the A.C. team toured the E.B. Hubs and visited entrepreneurs across Bermuda to better understand the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Nikki Fagan, Enterprise Bermuda Incubation Lead, said, “When BEDC advertised the position, I knew they wrote the job description specifically for me.” She noted that her passion was assisting early-stage businesses, and she was thrilled to be able to support the new cohort along their journey.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director, who said, “Through Enterprise Bermuda and the resources we have at our disposal, the BEDC commits to helping you achieve your goals. We look forward to traveling this journey with you as partners and celebrating your graduation at the end of your 12-month tenure with us.”
