Ignite Bermuda has launched its annual eight-week internship programme for aspiring young entrepreneurs.

The Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship, now in its second year, aims to support local young adults’ passions for entrepreneurship through workshops with industry experts and project-based internships within some of Bermuda’s top start-ups, all Ignite alumni.

After identifying a gap in local internship opportunities, the entrepreneurial accelerator created the programme for aspiring young entrepreneurs to gain real-world entrepreneurial experience and knowledge before launching their own businesses.

Ignite accepts applicants aged 18 to 25 years old. The current cohort’s age range is 19 to 25, with an average age of 21.

Holly Mazar-Fox, a host for the 2022 programme, said: “This programme is a wonderful opportunity for young entrepreneurs to gain first-hand experience of what it takes to run a business from all facets while discovering what it takes to run a successful company.”

The programme, which runs until July 21, began on May 31 with a full-day orientation in the Ignite Hub alongside the Ignite team and some of its alumni.

Interns engaged in workshops covering entrepreneurial mindset and behaviours, value proposition, and pitching and persuading.

Ms Mazar-Fox added: “I am excited to work closely with my intern, sharing the ins and outs of my art consultancy business – from sourcing artwork to non-fungible tokens to free ports, showcasing how powerful these markets can be for anyone with a passion for the arts.

“It is also important to empower young adults; to encourage their ideas and input, that in turn will directly impact our industries.”

Intern Erin Cardoso said: “Before starting the Ignite programme I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. Upon starting the programme I have learnt so much in just a few days and have been able to hear from like-minded individuals with different points of view and ideas.”

Jordin Edness, also an intern, said the internship “has already exposed me to another level of understanding needed to scale a successful business in Bermuda”.

Over the remainder of the programme, interns will participate in workshops on topics including customer discovery, marketing, health and wellness, Bermuda economic overview, public speaking, and entrepreneurial journey.

When interns have completed the course, they will present on their business-education to date, progress within their local start-ups, and how they anticipate applying this knowledge moving forward.

Ignite Bermuda said it was grateful for the support from HSBC Group and HSBC Bank Bermuda, for both their financial contribution and their continued commitment in supporting Bermuda’s young adults through their insightful staff involvement during Ignite’s workshop events.

Tanya Bule, HSBC Bermuda’s head of wealth personal banking and executive sponsor overseeing the partnership, said: “We are now in our second year commitment in supporting the Young Adult Internship Programme and continue to be impressed by the calibre and drive of Bermuda’s young adult entrepreneurs.

“Honing these important skills required for the future success of the interns is a key part of HSBC’s community investment initiatives.

“This programme helps build the confidence and business acumen one needs to sustain and/or scale-up a successful small business, while fostering economic development in a cross-section of industries across our island.

“We look forward to, once again, meeting and supporting this year’s cohort towards realising their entrepreneurial dreams.”

The young adult interns and their host mentors and business/organisation: Ashley Fubler – Emilie Faulkner-Meek, Rise Marketing; Erin Cardoso – Jodi Virgil, Organised Solutions; Jada St Clair – Kristin White, St George’s Stakeholders and Long Story Short; Jordin Edness – David Cahill, Bermuda Charge; Kaleo Place – Toriano Simmons, Rewards; Kiera Simmons – Patrina O’Connor Paynter, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda; Najee’ Pitt-Clarke – Craig Smith, Greenhouse Bermuda; Naomi Fubler – Kristen Scott Ndiaye, Noémie by the Well; Sé-Lah Ray – Reva Minors, Loquat Roots; Tiara Fisher – Claire McDevitt, Healthcare Solutions; Tomiko Douglas – Alex Marshall, Hot Fiyah Entertainment Ltd and Whip Rideshare; Zillah Welch – Holly Mazar-Fox, Mazar-Fox Art Consulting.