Applications are invited for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s fourth annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme.

The eight-week programme, running from July 12 until September 3, will provide 10 successful applicants between the ages of 16 and 25 with the resources and support to launch, grow and sustain their own enterprises.

The BEDC said the programme is designed to develop young Bermudians into the island’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

Participants will receive quality educational training, a weekly financial stipend and start-up funds to get their businesses started, the BEDC said.

The organisation said BEDC staff will continue to support the students to ensure that they maximise the experience and earn as much as they can during the summer months.

A competitive element has been included in order to incentivise participation, the BEDC said. Students will compete against each other to earn the most profit, with the three participants with the highest profits earning an additional financial reward.

Deshun Simmons, programme manager and assistant to the communication and development unit at BEDC, said: “The goal of the programme is 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.”

Businesses that were started last year by students included homemade lactation products for expectant mothers, locally made beauty and skincare products, landscaping services, photography and graphic design, gaming, and art therapy, the BEDC said.

Kion Knights of Yard Barbers, a graduate of the 2020 SSEP and overall highest profit winner, said: “Winning the programme was a humbling experience and to be recognised for successfully launching a business in such an economic climate means a lot to me and my family.

“I will take the resources and advice that I was exposed to in the programme and look to further expand my business. Hopefully one day I will be a successful businessman in Bermuda, like many before me.”

Mr Simmons said the SSEP is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test.

He added: “The programme equips them with a week of intensive entrepreneurial training that shifts their mindset to prepare them for the weeks ahead of being their own boss. I am looking forward to the submissions and seeing the creative and diverse ideas our youth propose to execute over their summer holiday.”

The BEDC said it encourages students to get their applications in as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until 5pm on July 2 at www.bedc.bm.

For more information, contact info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570.