Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator Graduation Held
On August 11th, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] hosted a graduation dinner for the seventh cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator.
Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward provided the welcome remarks for the occasion, saying: “Your ability to scale is in alignment with this Government’s objective to build back Bermuda’s economy better. That is why we are committed to supporting the development of scalable Bermuda-based businesses. We want to see you grow and thrive and thus recognize the importance of programmes like the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator.
“Continue to dream big, scale upward and outward because your success has a direct impact on building back Bermuda’s economy.”
A spokesperson said, “EBA Facilitator Tee Ogunyemi provided attendees, including alums and industry experts, an overview of the programme and acknowledged the dedication required to complete the six month programme. The Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator is a six-to-seven-month intensive programme that supports small and medium-sized business owners to help them scale their businesses.
“Utilizing the award-winning StreetWise MBA curriculum and a facilitated peer-learning method, entrepreneurs received hands-on training, networking, and industry support to help them scale their businesses.
“The BEDC established a partnership with Interise, a non-profit organisation based in Boston, to provide the curriculum for the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator. Tanisha Damberville-Pierre, Senior Manager of Learning Development at Interise offered congratulatory remarks to the graduating cohort via video.”
Ms. Damberville-Pierre said, “You took a chance and trusted BEDC with your business. It is my hope that…you feel confident with your growth plan to take your business to new heights to create jobs that help build up the Bermuda economy and support the community in which you all live and work.”
The spokesperson said, “Before the three course meal provided by the team at Bella Vista Grill, the graduates received their Interise Certificate in Streetwise ‘MBA’™. In addition, the BEDC provided additional gifts, including business books purchased from BookSpace, Big Little Breakthrough or Market Your Genius, a BEDC SWAG Bag, and a Prepaid Voucher for Qodeo – a platform linking entrepreneurs with investors.
“Mr. Ogunyemi joined the Minister and the BEDC Executive Director, Erica Smith, to hand out the certificates to the graduating entrepreneurs, including: Chris and Edgar Dill, owners of Spectro Pay, a payment and point of sale solution; Michelle White, owner of Executemps Ltd, supporting Bermuda based businesses with immigration needs and staffing services; Tarra Timmins, Noesis Energy, renewable energy and energy services company; Elicia Hollis, the owner of Sweet Pea Nursery, specializing in the care of 2 – 3-year-olds and Cornelia Rawlins, co-owner of Daycore Painting Contractors, specializing in residential and commercial painting and contracting services.”
Mrs. Smith said “As graduates of the Streetwise MBA Programme and now the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator, we commend you for taking the risk of trusting in yourselves to create and build your endeavours.
“Maintaining a business amidst a global pandemic is hard enough, but you strived not just to maintain but to grow your business. With your Strategic Growth Plan in hand, you have created a road map for your future success. The BEDC commits to continuing to help you achieve your goals.”
The spokesperson said, “The next cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator is scheduled to start in October 2022. Applications are open now for businesses that have existed for at least three years and are ready for growth. Apply here.”
Minister of Labour Jason Hayward’s remarks:
Good evening
On behalf of the Government, I welcome you to tonight’s event celebrating your accomplishment. You have spent the last 13 weeks developing your strategic-growth plans which will propel you into the next phases of your entrepreneurial journey
Entrepreneurship can be difficult, stressful and in most cases, very tiring. I know that you have spent long days, nights and weekends working “IN” your business. But through the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator you seized the opportunity to work “ON” your business.
As the CEO or person responsible to ensure the success of your businesses, you recognized the need to step back, assess and build a strategic plan to chart your way forward towards growth
Strategic planning is defined as the art of creating specific business strategies, implementing them, and evaluating the results of execution.
You have embarked upon a journey to create specific goals, by implementing and evaluating them you will be able to effective execute your strategic initiatives. Like an architect, you have used the last 13 months to build your detailed strategic plans that will help you achieve the6 next level of desired success.
The successful implementation of your plan does not just impact you, but also your employees and future employees who will be needed to help scale your businesses.
Your ability to scale is in alignment with this Government’s objective to build back Bermuda’s economy better. That is why we are committed to supporting the development of scalable Bermuda based businesses. We want to see you grow and thrive and thus recognize the importance of programmes like the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator
They say entrepreneurship can be a lonely road with the ebbs and flows but through the partnership with Interise and the use of the Streetwise MBA curriculum, the BEDC has ensured that you have the additional training, access to a network of peers and business leaders who will continue to provide support and accountability. As a result, you are now well equipped to meet your full business potential.
I would like to emphasise that the Bermuda Government remains a strong supporter of entrepreneurship
The Government remains committed to strengthening the sustainability of local business in Bermuda by ensuring that the existing ecosystem is one that promotes success and helps to develop businesses ready to scale to the next level
As a graduate of the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator, you are joining an alumnus that includes 60 entrepreneurs that have graduated through the Streetwise MBA Curriculum. Some of whom are here this evening to bear witness to your achievement
We celebrate your success and encourage you to continue to think big and be strategic as you action your growth plans
Continue to dream big, scale upward and outward because your success has a direct impact on building back Bermuda’s economy.
Enjoy the rest of this evening.
