More than 60 people attended a seminar focused on what is necessary to start up a new business.

Experts at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation event gave advice on a range of topics from dealing with government departments, insurance, banking, accounting, intellectual property, legal matters, human resources, marketing and also featured testimonials from entrepreneurs.

Among those making presentations were Tomiko Pacheco and Doreen Robinson, tax inspectors for the Office of the Tax Commissioner; Carla Martin, relationship manager at Clarien Bank; Tanya Hatherley and Jean Charles-Prentice, compliance inspectors from the Department of Social Insurance; Wilfred Gonsalves, financial adviser at BF&M; Colina Outerbridge, BEDC’s business data and policy analyst; and Ron Pinder, manager, IP of the Registrar General’s Office.

The second part of the evening included presentations from Janice Gutteridge and Kathleen Moniz, senior associates at law firm Cox Hallett Wilkinson; Bianca Harris, assistant vice-president, human resource manager at AIG and entrepreneur; Stephan Johnstone, founder of SJD World.

Entrepreneurs Jekon Edness and Tariq Somner, co-owners of Blue Rock Construction and online entrepreneur Linda Cook, co-owner of Soltrino and Little Longtails, then shared some of their business experiences.

Mr Somner said: “Don’t wait, even though it may be hard, being an entrepreneur is rewarding.”

Mrs Cook said: “An online business requires the same focus as a bricks-and-mortar store, but focus on banking and the business plan first.”

She added, echoing a sentiment from Mr Pinder: “When contracting a web developer, make sure that you maintain ownership of your intellectual property including your web address and website.”

Colina Outerbridge, co-facilitator of the seminar, said: “It was important for us to provide as much information as we could to existing and potential entrepreneurs to ensure that they are aware of what is required to legally operate a business in Bermuda.”

“Although this seminar was only 2½ hours, BEDC is available to provide further guidance and support throughout the year.”

For more information on this seminar and upcoming seminars, please contact BEDC at info@bedc.bm or visit www.bedc.bm