When gift shop owner Marjorie Caines attended a presentation by Bermuda Championship golf tournament director Sean Sovacool in July, she instantly recognised an opportunity — and one that was not just for herself and her business.

Instead, Ms Caines, who runs Lifestyle Co Ltd, on Front Street, saw an opportunity for Bermudian entrepreneurs to become involved with the event, part of the PGA Tour schedule, taking place at Port Royal Golf Club from October 31 through November 3.

Approaching Mr Sovacool at the presentation organised by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, she introduced herself and requested a meeting.

After hearing that Mr Sovacool and his event team wanted to work with local businesses, they agreed that Ms Caines would invite entrepreneurs to submit goods to be considered for inclusion in a gift bag that the participating golfers and their families will receive when they check-in to the Hamilton Princess in three weeks’ time.

Ms Caines, who was assisted on the project by Lifestyles staff member Jada Simmons-Trott, said: “It was amazing — everyone was receptive when I called them.”

After receiving submissions, Ms Caines made a two-hour presentation to Mr Sovacool and his team, who made the final selections. “We sipped, we tasted, we smelled,” she said. “I also gave them information on the background of each business.”

Mr Sovacool works for US-based sports marketing and event management company, Bruno Event Team, which manages ten tournaments a year on various tours.

He said: “Marjorie said ‘let me help you’. Marjorie is an extension of us, she helped introduce our product to a plethora of businesses on the island, including all these great entrepreneurs.”

Erica Smith, executive director of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, said it was important that local, small and medium-sized businesses are presented with international opportunities.

She said: “We want the island’s entrepreneurs to not just connect to the Bermuda market, but also connect to the international market.”

Ms Caines said: “As entrepreneurs, it’s important that we try to align ourselves with international brands. I was given an opportunity, and I wanted to share it with other entrepreneurs. We are all Bermuda.”

While Mr Sovacool added: “It was important that the event took a Bermuda path. The experiences that players and their families have here is important.

“We want them to enjoy themselves, and come back to Bermuda, not just to play golf, but to enjoy themselves away from the golf course, too.”

Vendors contributing to the gift bags include well-known Bermuda brands as well as newcomers such as Grandma’s Favourite, which is run by 14-year-old twins Maximillian and Joanna Santiago, and their mother, Marlo.

Ms Caines, praised Mr Sovacool for his “positive and transparent” approach, and said: “The contract for the tournament is for five years. If an entrepreneur wasn’t selected this year, maybe they will be chosen in the future. I encourage other entrepreneurs to come out to experience the Bermuda Championship, get a feel for it, and come up with some other products in the future.”

The participating vendors and their products or coupon and discount offers, are: Barritt’s, ginger beer; Randolph Furbert/Bermuda Beekeepers Association, honey; Bermuda Cup Cake Co, logo cookies; Bermuda Fun Golf Dockyard, two-for-one coupon; Bermuda National Trust, calendar; Bermuda Native Drinks, wild herb lemon grass and ginger tea; Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, $2 off admission, discount at gift shop; Bronco Stables horse and carriage, advertisement.

In addition, there is also Chiko’s Smokey Rub, original spice rub; Dockyard Glassworks, green glass turtle; Dutchpops, free dutchpop; Grandma’s Favourite, holiday spread; Island Kaddy, special offer coupon; Lifestyles Co Ltd, Doterra essential oil class; Long Story Short, invitation to haunted tour in St George’s; Orchid Spa, 10 per cent off coupon; Outerbridge Peppers, cookbook, sherry peppers sauce, rum swizzle mix, drawstring bag; Salt Spray Soaps, naturally handmade soap; Salt Water Jewellery, sterling silver pink sand charm; Surprise, handmade Bermuda-themed cards; Tabs, 40 per cent off coupon; Brown & Co, Bermuda Picturesque book by Roland Skinner.