Business Buzz is a monthly column presented by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Every month, read about entrepreneurship, obtain business management tips, and find out what’s going on in the small business sector.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Innovate!

Once again, the GEW Host Committee is busy planning what has become a hallmark in Bermuda’s calendar: Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which will be held from November 17 to 21. For this one week, the whole Island will, as has become tradition, turn its attention to and celebrate the importance of encouraging, inspiring and connecting existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Last year alone, almost 1,000 people directly participated in GEW events including, workshops, activities, and/or networking events. Taking into consideration the media coverage of GEW island-wide, an estimated 25,000 residents were actually exposed to events during GEW‘13.

One of the ways in which GEW celebrates entrepreneurship is through TechAwards, which mark the impact of technology on our lives, and recognise those who used their entrepreneurial spirit to introduce technology in a new way to improve the way we live. This activity aims to expand the reach and knowledge of technology in the community by appealing to the public to nominate Bermudian innovators who should be applauded for the development of something that has enhanced one’s ability to achieve better results, whether individually or as a community.

The winners of TechWards 2013 were as different as the ways in which technology is encountered in our daily lives; but one thing united them: the constant quest for establishing innovation and friendly technology firmly on Bermuda’s shores. In tweet-length comments, the 2013 top place finishers each expanded on that concept:

International Innovation of the Year

Winner: MediaMine, LLC

Winning Innovation: Official Hollywood Walk of Fame Mobile App

Looking ahead: To leverage the mobile platform and provide a unique interactive experience to visitors of tourist destinations worldwide.

Local Market Innovation of the Year

Winner: Bermuda Aerial Media

Winning innovation: Drone helicopter with state-of-art onboard camera

Looking ahead: To move into more industry-specific applications and more live-action events.

Most Innovative Youth Programme

Winner: MSA’s App Club

Winning innovation: Mount Saint Agnes Academy App/Tech Club

Looking ahead: To open the minds of the students to new technologies, encouraging them to become critical thinkers and develop strong problem-solving skills.

Most Innovative New Mobile Application

Winner: EasyPark Mobile’s parking service

Winning innovation: EasyPark Mobile App

Looking ahead: To continue to offer customers different and convenient ways to manage their time efficiently.

People’s Choice TechAward

Winner: Bermemes

Winning Innovation: www.bermemes.com

Looking ahead: To continue to highlight cultural idioms, concepts, and beliefs that are specific to the island and informally transmitted as part of the community’s DNA, celebrating what makes Bermuda’s culture so unique.

These were only the highlights of TechAwards 2013, which saw 78 companies nominated for their innovations, giving the judging panel a lot to consider before making their decisions.

And so again, this coming year, TechAwards 2014 will carry on being a highly anticipated annual event that helps promote and showcase technology and its use by everyone, everywhere, everyday in Bermuda. Conducted as part of GEW, it will once again represent the pinnacle of achievement for the use of technology in Bermuda.

The call for nomination will commence this July through the Tech Awards website www.techawards.bm. All those interested in additional information may email the Department of E-Commerce at e-commerce@gov.bm.

About GEW’s Bermuda Host Committee:

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.

The Bermuda GEW Host Committee is made up of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative of Bermuda (registered charity no. 616) and the Department of E-Commerce. Formed in 2008, it has grown to include a GEW Advisory Committee, which is composed of new and seasoned entrepreneurs as well as representatives from the public and private sector, all steeped in the common goal of inspiring the new generation of entrepreneurs and creative thinkers.

Jamillah Lodge is a Business Development Officer for Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. She specializes in providing aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with business development advice and loan guarantee assistance. In addition, she manages the marketing and communications plan for the Corporation and oversees the development of a mentorship and youth entrepreneurship programme. She has a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and should serve a general guide and should not be considered as replacement advice from a lawyer, accountant or other professional service provider. Readers should consult with the appropriate professionals as necessary.

If you have questions about starting a business in Bermuda, just ask BEDC: Email us at info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570.