Photos: 2023 Rocket Pitch Competition Winners
The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] launched the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Week [GEW] with the Rocket Pitch Competition, with a number of local entrepreneurs winning cash prizes.
A spokesperson said, “On Thursday, November 16th, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] successfully kicked off the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Week [GEW] with the Rocket Pitch Competition.
“Finalists of the 16th annual Rocket Pitch Competition pitched their businesses before panels of judges for a chance at winning a share of $42k in cash and services. The Competition, which this year was sponsored by the BEDC, One Communications, the Economic Development Department, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Arch Reinsurance, and Bacardi Limited, has helped to launch or expand over 80 businesses.
“Twelve budding entrepreneurs pitched their ideas at the Pier Six Complex on Front Street. Attendees and judges were presented with business ideas ranging from face painting and body art to a digital hub focused on special needs.
“Hopeful entrepreneurs pitched in six categories, including Pitch Pink – tourism-focused solutions; Pitch Tech – technology-focused; Pitch Town – businesses with the local community in mind; Pitch Green – an eco-friendly solution; Youth Pitch – for students under the age of 18 and Pitch Food & Bev – the Bacardi sponsored category that focused on business ideas that contribute to the Food & Beverage industry.
“First-place and second-place winners were chosen for each category, with each finalist walking away with a cash prize – 1st Place: $5,000 & 2nd Place: $2,000 – and a startup services package sponsored by local businesses.
“This year’s services package included Business coaching by Transform Bermuda and access to a wide variety of membership tiers from LeadxDesign’s digital suite.
The winners of the 2023 Rocket Pitch by category included:
Youth Pitch: Sponsored by Arch Reinsurance
- 1st Place winner: Paintz – a face-painting and body art business with curated face designs for all ages, events and themes by Zea Swainson
- 2nd Place winner: Forevergreen– a lawn mowing company providing affordable, high-quality lawn care by Shammai Smith, Jahmai Davis & Kaiden Chew
Pitch Tech: Sponsored by the Economic Development Department
- 1st Place winner: Kustom Kitz 3D – a business focused on utilizing 3D printing and lithium batteries to create pocket generators to keep Wi-Fi and electronics powered by John Payne
- 2nd Place winner: Here for You – a comprehensive on-demand digital solution for all things special needs in Bermuda by Thea Furbert
Pitch Pink: Sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority
- 1st Place winner: PR Bermuda – a service-based business providing romantic experiences on the picturesque island of Bermuda by Tomika Smith
- 2nd Place winner: Sea Breeze Wellness Retreats – a business focused on wellness tourism by incorporating wellness, cuisine, culture, movement, mindfulness and relaxation by Dallanika Hayward
Pitch Green
- 1st Place winner: Summer by Keile – a clothing brand that focuses on sustainability, ethical printing and inclusivity by Keile Rabain
- 2nd Place winner: Auto Magic – a car washing business focused on utilizing eco-friendly and sustainable practices as well as offering scents for cars by Carlita Trott
Pitch Town
- 1st Place winner: Cocoon Work – a company that offers self-guided therapeutic tools, 1-1 therapy and a unique variety of group therapeutic experiences by Camille Creary
- 2nd Place winner: Lookie Lookie – a business that focuses on being the ultimate small business hub Connecting you to Bermuda’s small business community by Kimwana Eve
Pitch Food & Beverage: Sponsored by Bacardi Limited
- 1st Place winner: Prep’d – a quality meal preparation business focused on being fresh, healthy, local, and easy by Jennifer Woods
- 2nd Place winner: Brixx Bunz – is a homemade cinnamon rolls business focused on being handcrafted with a commitment to explosive flavor by Brittany Cox
People’s Choice Award: Sponsored by One Communications & 24/7 Ink
“The People’s Choice award was chosen via a live poll where 364 people voted, including viewers in attendance and those watching the live stream. This award was sponsored in part by One Communications and 24/7 Ink, with the winner taking home one year of 1 Gigabit of internet and a $200 certificate to services by 24/7 Ink. Zea Swainson of Paintz was the crowd favorite, receiving 31% of the vote and winning the coveted prize.”
Read More About
Category: All, Business, News, Photos
