Nine entrepreneurs have graduated from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Enterprise Bermuda Incubator after a year of training, mentorship and business development.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Fourways Inn on Thursday, concluded the sixth EBI cohort. The event brought together more than 40 guests, including mentors, family members, BEDC board and team members and representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Labour.

In opening remarks, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, praised the entrepreneurs’ commitment to growing Bermuda’s economy through innovation. “Each of you has demonstrated the dedication and ambition necessary to build businesses that contribute to the strength of our economy,” he said. “Your perseverance and drive embody the entrepreneurial spirit that we seek to foster in Bermuda.”

The 2024 graduating cohort includes: Janee Pitt, of Tassel Bermuda, Lornette Furbert, of The Pit Stop, Razia Billoo, of aRDee, Micah Smith, of Breeze Air Conditioning & Major Appliances, Dana Selassie, of Buquila Bermuda, Rhea Gibbons, of Realising-the-Inbetween Art Therapy Services, Kendal Trott, of Content Space BDA, Keile Rabain, of Summer by Keile, and Marcus Rewan, of Special Misfits.

Originally launched in 2018, the EBI programme provides early-stage entrepreneurs with structured support, training and access to world-class mentorship through the BEDC’s partnership with the Canadian-based Accelerator Centre.

Mickey Campeau, the director of programmes and founder experience at the Accelerator Centre, said the collaboration has helped business owners to navigate local and international markets. “Our partnership with the BEDC has been strong and mutually beneficial, and we look forward to exploring future opportunities together,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to help Bermudian entrepreneurs embrace the island’s unique qualities and scale their businesses. We’re excited for what’s next.”

Erica Smith, the executive director of the BEDC, said in closing remarks: “Although your formal participation in the incubator has concluded, our commitment to your continued success remains strong,” she said. “BEDC is here to support you at every step, offering guidance and resources as your businesses develop further.”

Applications for the next Enterprise Bermuda Incubator cohort will open this year.