BizCamp is inviting teenagers to take part in an online and in-person programme during the month of August.

The camp, run by the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative in conjunction with the Economic Development Department is offered free of charge to any Bermudian teenagers interested in learning how to start and run their own business.

Joe Mahoney, executive director of the YEI said: “The goal is to inspire young people to become business-savvy and understand economically self-sufficiency. Participants are provided with a business plan template. After learning the concepts, they complete the plan with information for their own business.”

All participants completing a BizPlan will be awarded certificates and some may be eligible to enter in the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Youth Rocket Pitch Competition during TechWeek, where they have a chance to win prizes and venture funding.

During the past 20 years over 1,000 youths have developed and presented business plans, earning certificates for participating in the YEI’s BizCamp.

The programme will feature an online version of the BizCamp syllabus, featuring video lecturers and a combination of Zoom meetings and small group in-person workshops to develop and present their own comprehensive business plan at the end of the session.

Topics include opportunity recognition, cost of goods, pricing, industry analysis, target customers, marketing, and many other aspects of running a company. The course is delivered in four weeklong modules with workshops at the conclusion of each to monitor progress and answer questions.

The course is supported by the BEDC, as well as the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, HSBC Community Investment Committee, Chubb Charitable Foundation, and One Communications. Participants will be admitted on a rolling basis through the first week of August.

Electronic applications are available at www.yei.bm, or e-mail BizCamp@yei.bm