BEDC Launches Summer Entrepreneur Program
The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] has launched the sixth annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Program.
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 6th Annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Program. Following the success of the last five years of the program with participating students gaining valuable insights and earning money, the program is continuing again this year and will provide students between the ages of 16 and 23 with the resources and support to launch, grow and sustain their own enterprises.
“The Summer Student Entrepreneur Program [SSEP] is an eight-week program that will run from Monday, July 3rd through Friday, August 25th. The program 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 program 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”, exclaims Deshun Simmons, the Program Manager and Assistant Communication & Development Officer at BEDC.
The spokesperson said, “Businesses that were started last year by students included a lawn mowing service; a designer, vintage, and local clothing brand; an arcade-like gaming business; a self-care brand focusing on mental health; an animation company focusing on commercials, music videos or gifs; and a handmade, beaded bracelets business!”
Graduate of the 2022 SSEP and Overall Highest Profit Winner, Antoine Jones of Capsule, stated, “The SSEP program provided me with an exceptional foundation to begin running my business. This was made possible through various workshops and opportunities to market my products to the public. I am very fortunate to have been able to sell a number of my products placing me as a top earner and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of last year’s SSEP program.”
“The SSEP is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test,” states Mr. Simmons. He continues, “The program 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.”
The spokesperson said, “With only ten spots allocated this year, BEDC encourages all students to get their applications in as soon as possible. Applications are being accepted until Sunday, April 30th, by 11:59 pm. Interested students can apply online at www.bedc.bm, contact info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570 for more information.”
