Ignite Launches Third Internship Programme
Ignite Bermuda has launched its third Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship programme thanks to the support of HSBC Group and HSBC Bank Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “The 8-week internship programme supports local young adults’ passions for entrepreneurship through workshops with industry experts and project-based internships within some of Bermuda’s top startups, all Ignite entrepreneurs. After identifying a gap in local internship opportunities for aspiring young entrepreneurs , this programme was created to provide real-world entrepreneurial experience and knowledge without requiring the launch of their own businesses.
“The programme is now in full swing after beginning with a full 2-day Boot Camp alongside Ignite’s Cohort 7, aimed to give them a taste of the Ignite experience and to set the foundation for the following weeks. The interns engaged in topics such as Customer Discovery, Mindset and Behaviours, Value Proposition, Pitching and Persuading, and Business Modeling.”
Zakiyyah Showers, a 2023 intern, reflected, “After the first two days of Boot Camp, I feel very excited to get started and connected with Ignite. …Overall just growing in an entrepreneurial environment that’ll allow me to learn and give me the confidence and tools I need to be the best me.”
Another 2023 intern, Raina “Sunshine” deFontes added, “Ignite is not at all what I had imagined it would be. In just the three days I have been at Ignite, I have already collected over five plus valuable connections for me to meet with to aid my own personal journey. ”
The spokesperson said, “The programme is set to run until August 31, 2023. Over the course of the next 6 weeks, interns will work with a local ‘host’ startup and its lead entrepreneur, while continuing to participate in weekly workshops on key topics to apply during their internship, as well as in the future with their own ventures.”
Antonia Holder, founder of DigiRoo and Kid’s Digital Wellness, and 2023 Host Entrepreneur added, “The Ignite Internship is an additional layer of the Entrepreneur Ecosystem that they have so thoughtfully curated for us. Personally, as a CEO of a start-up that does not yet have any full-time staff, there is always a never-ending to-do list. I understand the value of exposure and experience when you’re trying to do something you’ve never done before. Therefore, this Internship programme is a great way for both myself and my newly paired intern [Chaella Bradshaw-Douglas] to mutually benefit from working together in this season. I want to offer her a meaningful experience and I’m sure she will challenge me to better acquaint myself with what it truly means to manage “employees”, which is why understanding each other’s goals from the beginning is vital. We are already off to a great start.”
Portia McGhie, 2023 intern mentioned, “Ignite is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s left me with needed tools to succeed not only in the business world but within my own personal life.”
Tanya Bule, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking at HBSC stated, “Working with the young people of Bermuda through the Ignite Young Adult Programme is always one of the highlights of the summer. Listening to Bermuda’s young adults articulate their vision for their ideas, present future and current business ideas as well as working with them in a coaching and advisory capacity gives me great pride and confidence in the future of Bermuda’s businesses.”
“This Programme continues to be one of the cornerstones of creating strong new businesses in Bermuda. Our economy and our culture are benefiting from the business that these young people are creating and the structure that Ignite provides the participants is paramount to their success.”
The spokesperson said, “Ignite Bermuda is grateful for the support from HSBC Group and HSBC Bank Bermuda, for both their financial contribution and their continued commitment in supporting Bermuda’s young adults through their insightful staff involvement during our workshop events.”
Young Adult Intern and Host Mentor Business/Organization
- Aaron Booth – Jennifer Burland Adams & Claire McDevitt, Solvo
- Chaella Bradshaw-Douglas – Antonia Holder, DigiRoo
- Dominic Sabir – Tyka Edness, ate@8 and Soo Nut Sharing
- Elisha Thomas – Surlena Smith, Ponda Pits
- Jaavaid Warren-Smith – Dwayne Trott, Clean Energy Storage Solutions
- Jessie DeBraga – Holly Mazar-Fox, Mazar-Fox Art Consulting
- Kesay Bell – Kimwana Eve, LookieLookie
- Monique Waite – Jermain Hinds, Hindssight Fitness & Wellness
- Nathaniel Binega-Northcott – Erica Marx, Erica Marx Coaching
- Portia McGhie – Melissa Looby, Pulse Group
- Raina deFontes – Kimberly and Nicholas Darceuil, Dignity House
- Sanaa Connor – Alexis Bean, Big Girl Panties
- Sha-Lae Cooper – Rochelle Minors, Rochelle Nicole
- Tiko Caines – Sandro Fubler, Evolution
- Zahn Richardson – Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Zakiyyah Showers – Jessica Lightbourne, Jessica Lightbourne Coaching
- Zen Marley Mello – Tiffany Paynter, SOHAM
