The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is calling for applications for the fourth cohort of Enterprise Bermuda, the free 12-month incubator programme that supports local entrepreneurs and the development of their businesses.

The BEDC said the programme benefits both start-ups seeking to accelerate the growth of a business in its early years as well as early-stage entrepreneurs looking for a nurturing environment to validate their business idea.

Applications are being accepted now and can be completed online at www.bedc.bm. The application deadline is March 15.

Interviews of short-listed applicants will take place during the week of March 22.

The fourth cohort of Enterprise Bermuda will start on April 1.

The BEDC said the incubator is focused on walking participants through an in-depth development process to ensure that entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition.

Eight successful applicants will receive assistance with analysing and refining their business idea so that they can best determine if it will work in, and beyond, the Bermuda market.

Participants are provided with complimentary access to BEDC’s educational courses and programmes, free and subsidised office space, an assigned business development officer, and personalised mentoring with industry experts.

In addition, successful applicants will receive access to pro-bono or subsidised services in areas such as marketing, accounting, legal support, web development and more, the BEDC said.

Eight new businesses were launched by participants in the third cohort of Enterprise Bermuda ending, the BEDC said.

Since the commencement of the programme in 2018, the BEDC said 22 new businesses have been launched and more than 65 jobs have been created as a result.

The third cohort included:

• Kori Hypolite, owner of Equilateral Studio, is helping clients develop strategies and design for better, stronger brands. She is working towards growing her business and has taken on the challenge of pivoting her business during Covid-19 to serve more clients and help more companies.

• Gwendolyn Creary is behind Parent Guide BDA, an infant and early childhood mental health consultancy that partners with parents and early childhood professionals to improve the social, emotional and behavioural health of young children, birth to 8 years of age.

• Ranae Kai Bean is the owner of Spirit of Love. Through SOL, she works to coach others to live their absolute healthiest lives, incorporating the importance of love, exercise and nutrition into everyday life activities and experiences.

• Dr Jana Outerbridge, owner of Mayvera Wellness, has designed a service that is committed to giving special attention to the healing, empowerment and development of women and girls. She is adapting to current times and has developed many virtual experiences.

• Adam Johnson, founder of the Marooned Ocean Foundation, continues to work to give back to the ocean and has set goals to be a part of the solution, solving the problem of the health of our oceans.

• Tyun Smith-Ming runs Drix Organic Medleys. He began by launching a line of all-natural skin and hair products, and is now branching out into the organic juice world.

• Zalika Millet developed her plan for Living, Learning, Legends – an alternative to traditional learning that is focused on building a curriculum for young children that encompasses all learning styles and strives to meet the needs of all students.

• Marcelle Lawrence, owner of Eco Island Travel, is working to further develop her business and bring it to the global market. It aims to provide a platform to inspire, empower, and engage travellers and travel providers in practices that support sustainable travel goals. She has had to pivot her business because of Covid-19, but has done so and is currently working on developing new marketing strategies.

Ms Lawrence said: “Participating in the EBI connected me to the invaluable resources offered by BEDC. From a wealth of courses, to connecting with other budding entrepreneurs, the expertise of the BEDC officers and quality office space and facilities, the EBI was a great place to test and launch my business ideas.”

Jamillah Lodge, director of communication and development at BEDC, added: “The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator has been more than a success. I have enjoyed working alongside my colleagues to assist these entrepreneurs grow their businesses.”