BEDC Hosts 8th Annual Business Awards
The BEDC hosted its 8th Annual Business Awards on November 23rd, celebrating local entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] hosted the 8th Annual BEDC Business Awards on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, from 7pm to 11pm at the Lido Complex. As a signature event of Global Entrepreneurship Week Bermuda [GEW], the awards ceremony brought together Bermuda’s entrepreneurial community to celebrate the achievements of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, along with innovators within the island’s economic empowerment zones.
“The evening featured networking opportunities, dinner and award presentations, culminating in an after-party at The Deep Bar & Nightclub. With a black-and-gold theme, the event provided a sophisticated backdrop for a night of recognition and celebration of Bermuda’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
“This event has become a hallmark of Global Entrepreneurship Week, recognizing the resilience and innovation of our small and medium-sized businesses. Entrepreneurship fuels our economy and empowers our community to address global challenges. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners tonight for your outstanding contributions to Bermuda’s growth and success,” said Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, during his opening remarks.
Ray Jones, Director of the Economic Development Department, added, “As the sponsor of the Innovation and Tech Award, we are thrilled to recognise and support the significant strides made in tech, Fintech, and emerging tech right here on the Island. These achievements reflect the talent and determination of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs who relentlessly drive progress, problem-solve, and strengthen the marketplace. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners—you are paving the way for a more innovative, solutions-oriented future.”
The awards celebrated excellence across various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in each sector. The 2024 BEDC Business Awards winners were:
- Business of the Year: Paradise Mobile – Paradise Mobile is a Bermudian network invested in by locals, offering open and easy access to the latest technologies.
- Start-up of the Year: Lookie Lookie – Located in Washington Mall, Lookie Lookie curates Bermuda’s best artisanal products, showcasing local treasures.
- Entrepreneur of the Year: CariGenetics – CariGenetics, founded by Carika Weldon, pioneers genetic research of Caribbean ancestry, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, and accessibility.
- Vendor of the Year: Jazzy Treats – Jazzy Treats features a charming Bermuda cottage-inspired trailer, offering a range of homemade treats like sherbet shakes, snowballs, and ice cream at local events.
- Small Family Business of the Year: Ashley’s Lemonade – Ashley’s Lemonade is a beloved small business serving fresh, customizable lemonade and limeade with flavors like mango and strawberry.
- Medium Family Business of the Year: Mr. Chicken – A fast-casual restaurant chain established in 1985, Mr. Chicken offers a diverse menu featuring fried chicken, homemade burgers, shrimp, and more.
- Most Enterprising Young Entrepreneur: Flow by Nico – Teenaged artist Nico Bean has showcased his work in three Bermuda Society of Arts exhibitions and sells art locally and internationally.
- People’s Choice Award 2024: Sade Milan Skin – Sade Milan Skin offers all-natural intimate skincare and beauty products, promoting self-care and feminine wellness with high-quality, clean solutions.
- Economic Empowerment Zone Business of the Year: Long Story Short – Long Story Short, a gift shop and tour center in St. George’s, focuses on social progress, the African Diaspora, women, and environmental sustainability.
- Customer Service Award 2024: Pronto – Pronto Bermuda is a warehouse grocery store and delivery service offering affordable prices, a wide range of products, and fast, convenient delivery.
- Innovation and Tech Award 2024, sponsored by the Economic Development Department: DigiRoo – DigiRoo, created by Antonia Holder, is a tablet case and stand designed to improve children’s posture and digital wellness.
- BEDC Client of the Year: SJD World – SJD World specializes in graphic design, branding, website creation, and 3D printing, providing creative solutions for Bermuda-based and international clients.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board at BEDC, highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in Bermuda’s economy, stating, “Whether crowned a winner or named a finalist, tonight reflects your hard work, perseverance, and the trust you’ve earned from the public. Being nominated by the community is a testament to the value you bring to your customers and the broader community. Your recognition tonight showcases your dedication, creativity, and resilience, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Bermuda forward.”
The spokesperson said, “The BEDC Business Awards underscored the essential role of small and medium-sized businesses in Bermuda’s economy, celebrating the accomplishments and potential of the island’s entrepreneurial sector. The event highlighted BEDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting local business growth and fostering an environment of innovation and resilience within Bermuda’s economic landscape.
“Further details on other GEW events are available at www.gew.bm. For more information, please email info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570.”
Minister of Economy & Labour, Jason Hayward.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Kimwana Eve, Lookie Lookie; Jamillah Lodge, Director of Communication & Development, BEDC.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Alfred Butterfield, Jazzy Treats; Talia Simons, BEDC Board Member.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Justice Furbert, Mr. Chicken; Richard Augustus, Assistant Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprise Officer, BEDC.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Nico Bean, Flow by Nico; Ondreyah Rochester, Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprise Officer, BEDC.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Kristin White, Long Story Short; Donte Hunt, Director of Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises, BEDC.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Carl Vincent, Pronto; Chelsea Warren, Business Development Officer, BEDC.
Jache Adams, Chairman of the Board, BEDC; Antonio Holder, DigiRoo; Maryem Biadillah, Senior Manager, EDD.
Alfred Butterfield, Justice Furbert, Nico Bean, Jache Adams, Kristin White, Tanisha Taylor, Minister Jason Hayward, Carl Vincent, Kimwana Eve, Antonia & Lloyd Holder, Tahkeesha Welch.
