Nine students have graduated from the eight-week summer student entrepreneurship programme organised by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

Now in its second year, the programme is designed to promote a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship as a viable career option and inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise, the BEDC said.

The students, ranging in age from 16 to 25, were paid a living wage during the programme, which ran from July 8 until August 30. The initiative enables participants to save funds during the summer as an alternative to securing summer employment.

Ray Lambert, director of the micro, small and medium-enterprise unit at BEDC, said: “The goal of the programme was not just to assist participants with earning money over the summer, but also to impart an entrepreneurial mindset that will assist them as they prepare for their futures working in the business arena or as entrepreneurs.”

Xela Swan, a student at Bermuda College, started her business, BDA Appareldise, which makes custom-designed Bermuda merchandise.

She said: “This programme helped me to take an idea that I have had for two years and actually start it. I am grateful to the BEDC and for the opportunity that I was given to make my idea a reality. My T-shirts will be available for purchase at Harbour Nights and I will be launching other products in October.”

Ms Swan was joined by other graduates of the programme in displaying a sampling of their products at the graduation ceremony, at which participants were presented with certificates.

Others participating were: Mya Thompson, Simply Sweet, a natural beauty company; Tyler Cook-Aitken, Tiki-Shack, a snack vending business that operated at Church Bay; Kenai Stowe, BTG (Be the Greatest) Designs, customisation and printing of stickers, clothing and more; Jaaziah Richardson-Webb, Island Events, event-planning services; Giovanni Hollis, Home-in-One, property management and landscaping services; Dymare Simons, Aloe Aloe, organic Aloe-based drinks; Jaden Taylor, Snack Spot, beach snack concessions; and Andreaz Glasgow, Bermuda Local Guides, Twizzy guided tours.

In addition to displaying their products, students presented an overview of their business and shared how the SSEP programme helped them with their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Wayne Furbert, Minister for the Cabinet Office, congratulated the students at the award presentation.

He said: “It has been a great opportunity for me to speak with and meet you young entrepreneurs. I have had the pleasure of sampling some of your products and I am thoroughly impressed with the level of quality and your

passion.

“I am also an entrepreneur and understand what it takes to start up and run a successful business. You all are on your way to becoming great entrepreneurs and I encourage you to continue to develop the skills necessary to succeed not just as entrepreneurs but in life.”