BEDC Honours 10 New Entrepreneurs
The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] celebrated the graduation of the seventh cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator [EBI] on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] celebrated the graduation of the seventh cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator [EBI] on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Four Ways Inn. Ten entrepreneurs across nine businesses completed the six-month program, marking an important milestone in the growth of their business. The evening brought together graduates, their families and friends, and BEDC team and Board members to honour the dedication and achievement of Bermuda’s newest class of emerging business owners.”
Lee Simmons, Chairman of the BEDC Board, set the tone for the evening with his opening remarks, “Tonight is both a celebration and the beginning of your next chapter. You came in with ideas and leave with stronger plans, sharper skills, and a clearer sense of direction. You have proven you have what it takes, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.”
The spokesperson said, “The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator supports local entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses, typically operating for two years or less. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in a structured curriculum of in-person workshops, virtual check-ins, and monthly mentor meetings. Topics covered ranged from entrepreneurial mindset and business model development to financial literacy, brand identity, sales strategy, and pitching. Participants also benefited from complimentary office space and an international learning opportunities throughout the program.
“The graduating cohort represented a diverse cross-section of Bermuda’s creative and service economy, with businesses rooted in wellness, sustainable design, food and beverage, hospitality experiences, and business support services. Several businesses drew directly from Bermudian culture and identity, reflecting exactly the kind of homegrown enterprise the EBI was designed to champion.”
The Cohort 7 Graduates are:
- Vanessa Bartley – Scar Care Studio: A paramedical tattoo business that helps reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other skin conditions, offering inclusive care for all skin tones with a focus on restoring confidence through skin rejuvenation.
- Vurnell Ball – Bermuda Sensory Company: A rental service for sensory items such as weighted blankets and lap pads, offering calm and comfort for use at home, school, or work through rental, subscription, or purchase options.
- Vanessa James – The Bottle Studio: A sustainable design brand that transforms locally collected glass bottles into handcrafted home goods, from drinking glasses to candles, promoting reuse and eco-conscious style for locals and visitors alike.
- Lashuna Smith – Cognoscent & Co.: A luxury candle studio and scent bar offering natural candles, handcrafted skincare, and immersive scent experiences that blend wellness, intimacy, and personalised rituals in a premium, sensory-focused setting.
- Quayunte Watson – Gombey Isle: A maker of handcrafted concrete candles and décor inspired by Bermuda’s culture, offering customisable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products as meaningful gifts and keepsakes that celebrate island identity.
- Zativah Johnston – Piñata Paradise: A provider of handcrafted, custom piñatas for birthdays, holidays, and special events, crafting each piece to match the customer’s theme for a fun, memorable, and personalised celebration.
- Rico Beek & Terai Wilson – The Pink Sand Confectionery: A Bermuda-based candy company creating premium vegan gummy candies inspired by traditional Bermudian flavours such as loquat and swizzle, celebrating island taste in every bite.
- Azia Parris – The Sipping Lab: A full-service mixology company offering cocktail classes, team-building activities, and event bar setups, delivering elevated and personalised social experiences through carefully curated menus.
- Ashlyn Young – Tradie Central: An admin and support hub for tradespeople, handling bookkeeping, scheduling, and business management so tradespeople can focus on the work they do best while Tradie Central manages the rest.
Vurnell Ball, Owner of Bermuda Sensory Company, shared her experience in the program, “This experience helped me believe in my vision for Bermuda Sensory Company. It pushed me to grow, step out of my comfort zone, and start building something meaningful for my community.”
Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, reinforced the organisation’s commitment to the graduating cohort in her closing remarks, “Congratulations to our graduates. It has been a genuine pleasure to support you through this process. While this chapter of the incubator is closing, your relationship with BEDC is not. We remain committed to walking alongside you as you take your next steps and continue building businesses that contribute to Bermuda’s economy. Keep building. Keep learning. Keep moving forward.”
The spokesperson said, “BEDC extends its appreciation to the families, friends, mentors, and team and Board members whose presence and support made the evening a meaningful celebration of entrepreneurship and community in Bermuda.
“Applications for the eighth cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator open on April 27, 2026, with the program running from July 2, 2026 to March 31, 2027. To learn more about the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator, explore this and past cohorts, and apply when applications open, visit www.bedc.bm.”
