Discussions around possible initiatives between local entrepreneurs and the US Consulate have been sparked by a visit to Ignite Bermuda by US Consul-General Karen Grissette and her team.

Ignite said the visit during Global Entrepreneurship Month provided an opportunity for Ignite’s entrepreneurial leaders to introduce their businesses and discuss future prospects with their visitors.

The entrepreneurial accelerator said the morning consisted of meet and greets and collaborative conversations with a handful of Ignite’s current cohort of four members.

The event was catered by Branch of Life, who supplied vegan pastries, with plant-based butter from Cedarberry Foods, and organic coffee from Greenhouse Bermuda, all of which are ventures developed in the Ignite accelerator.

Talibah Branch, co-founder of Branch of Life and a graduate of the Ignite programme, said: “I want to thank the US Consul-General and her team for trying all of our plant-based pastries and Ignite for their continuous support and encouragement.

“After our official launch, our goal is to continue to encourage people to eat more plants by making them irresistibly delicious and we're honoured to have shared some of our creations with the US Consul-General."

Gwendolyn Creary, founder of ParentGuide and a cohort four participant, said: "No matter one's status or employment role, being a parent comes with its challenges, fears, considerations and decisions that sometimes feel very singular and lonely.

“I explained to the Consul-General that ParentGuide is specifically focused on families with children up to eight years old, who may have early intervention or mental health needs. I was able to share with her my breadth of experience and knowledge and was encouraged by her understanding and support."

Ms Grissette said: “I was very pleased with my visit to Ignite and was impressed by all of the cohort four participants who shared compelling stories about their backgrounds and business ventures and allowed us to enjoy and learn about their products first-hand.

“Each November in the United States, we celebrate entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the economy. The consulate always looks forward to engaging in Global Entrepreneurship Month in partnership with organisations that provide support and resources to business owners and start-ups in Bermuda.

“Congratulations to Ignite for their continued success and for offering a robust programme to help develop small businesses in Bermuda.”

Raisá Tuzo, founder of 1616 Premium Cocktails and a member of the current Ignite cohort, said: "I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to present to the US Consul-General and hope that their future events will see 1616 on their bar.”

Sean Reel, executive director at Ignite, added: “We were honoured to host our guests from the US Consulate and were pleased to build opportunities for local businesses to partner and collaborate.”