Business owners who were given a chance to shine during a five-week booster programme will celebrate their achievements under a global spotlight.

The Rise and Scale: Bermuda Business Accelerator Pitch Forum will honour 19 entrepreneurs tonight during an event livestreamed around the world.

The accelerator programme, which was hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, promoted businesses from underrepresented owners, including women, young people and those with disabilities.

Tinée Furbert, the minister, said: “Bermuda’s entrepreneurs are showing the world the power of inclusive innovation.

“Through Rise and Scale, we are not only breaking down barriers but actively building pathways to economic growth that are resilient, equitable and transformative.

“These founders are proof that with vision and support, Bermuda can lead by example, setting a standard for inclusive entrepreneurship across small island states and beyond.”

The Rise and Scale programme was organised through the Building Back Equal initiative, which is used to promote female entrepreneurs and build gender equality.

It was created with help from the Government, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, the United Nations Development Programme Jamaica Multi-Country Office, UN Women and the Founder Institute.

Jamaro Marville, a programme analyst at UNDP, said: “We are fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

“The success of these founders will pave the way for other small island developing states to implement similar solutions.”

Attendees will hear from several female entrepreneurs during the panel, including Lara Acosta, Regina Gwynn and Esosa Ighodaro.

Ms Acosta is one of LinkedIn’s top 100 creators worldwide and was named number 1 female creator worldwide on LinkedIn in 2023.

Ms Gwynn and Ms Ighodaro are co-founders of Black Women Talk Tech, a group championing Black women in tech and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to an audience of investors and international partners after the panel.

The event will take place at the HSBC Bank Bermuda Harbourview Centre tonight at 7pm.

Attendees must RSVP to join the livestream.