A programme launched to help develop Bermuda’s entrepreneurs has just welcomed their biggest ever cohort into the seminar.

Enterprise Bermuda is funded through Bermuda’s premier source of free confidential business advice for entrepreneurs, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

By this weekend, a record 32 budding entrepreneurs were signed up for induction with the fifth cohort, growth made possible because of three new Enterprise Bermuda Hubs, and enhanced programming through a partnership with Accelerator Centre.

BEDC is now licensed for the AC’s licensing platform, A. C.: Hubs, leveraging the organisation's globally recognised programming and mentorship model.

Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to partner with the Accelerator Centre.

“BEDC's mantra is to continue improving its offerings to grow Bermuda's entrepreneurial ecosystem, so collaborating with the AC enables us to do this with Enterprise Bermuda Incubator.

“Access to their expertise helps us provide new opportunities to Bermuda's entrepreneurs.”

BEDC invited representatives of AC, Leanne Henderson, Director of Programmes, and Chantel Klassen, Manager of International Programmes and Client Experience, to Bermuda to participate in the BEDC's graduation for the fourth cohort and induction ceremony for the incoming Enterprise Bermuda Incubator programme.

The ceremony included Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour expressing a government commitment to continue support for local business development.

He said: "Through the BEDC, we continue our commitment to supporting a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports creating jobs and building back our economy.

“The BEDC, over the years, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and provided millions of dollars in financial support. The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator programme is another example of the dedication to develop entrepreneurship in Bermuda."

Meanwhile, graduates received certificates and some spoke of their experience over the past 12 months.

Juanae Simmons of iWashBDA said that the incubator programme helped her to express herself more and that the experience attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress was life-changing.

Keanne Bean of Graciful Bodi, noted: "I started with just an idea and with the help from BEDC was able to realise the start of my business."

Rickai Edwards of Cedarbeam Advancements said: "Enterprise Bermuda helped me focus my ideas and work on those most relevant."

Other programme graduates included Indira Swan founder of The Cool Mom Club, Evan Heyliger of Loquat Learning, Gavin Carter of Gavin's Butter, and Sionna Barton of J.A.G. Athletics.

Nikki Fagan, Enterprise Bermuda Incubation Lead, welcomed the 32 participants to cohort 5. She stated, "When BEDC advertised the position, I knew they wrote the job description specifically for me."

She noted that her passion was assisting early-stage businesses, and she was thrilled to be able to support the new cohort along their journey.