Somerset is getting a small business boost with the opening of the new Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) office in the West End parish.At a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, Minister of Economy and Trade, Patrice Minors officially opened the office doors, which is located on the ground floor of the Prince Albert Lodge on Main Road in Somerset.The Somerset EEZ Office will be an extension of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Church Street headquarters and the Union Street North East Hamilton EEZ office.Headed up by long-time BEDC officer William Spriggs, the Somerset EEZ is looking to help revitalise the local business community by offering support to entrepreneurs and helping residents with property improvement and development.“Ultimately, it is our hope that when individuals leave this office they will feel supported, will have learned something new, and will feel a sense of empowerment to become masters of their own destinies,” Minister Minors said.Mr Spriggs has been actively involved in the Somerset community since the start of the year. Between May and July of this year the BEDC will have worked to assist several businesses with direct support in more than $200,000 in loan guarantees to West End-based businesses.In February, the Somerset EEZ held its first public presentation event that attracted more than 400 people. The event offered entrepreneurs various small business ideas that they could pursue to take advantage of the beaches and commercial areas in the parishA number of small businesses have consulted with the BEDC to pursue those opportunities, including setting up concession stands at Mangrove Bay and Long Bay Beach.Another public forum is in the works to update Somerset residents and business owners on the work done to date.While the Dockyard area is represented within the West End Chamber of Commerce, the Somerset EEZ will also provide an additional voice for Somerset businesses.To contact the Somerset EEZ, call 704-9056 or visit their office on Main Road.