Applications for Ignite Bermuda’s business accelerator programme open on Monday and successful applicants for the sixth cohort will begin in October.

They could include entrepreneurs and community leaders, including non-profits, at any stage of business, whether looking to scale, get started, or strengthen the foundation.

The free, five-month programme focuses on building an entrepreneurial mindset as well as useful start-up tools that have been proven to serve community leaders well for many years to come.

Those successful in securing a seat on the core programme gain access to a community of like-minded individuals, industry experts, and mentors who render support throughout their journey well after the Ignite programme ends.

Ignite considers its programme a “people accelerator”, because they believe that by helping to develop the individuals responsible for making the big decisions, the businesses and non-profit organisations are made stronger and more resilient.

Successful applicants have access to the Ignite Hub, a collaborative space located in the City of Hamilton.

In addition, they will become part of a growing ecosystem of more than 300 Ignite alumni, mentors, coaches, and industry experts.

Part of this ecosystem is the team of Ignite’s “residential advisers” who are recent programme graduates.

RAs are selected from the previous cohort to support the incoming group as they participate in the Ignite programme. Ignite believes that giving new cohort members direct access to individuals who have gone through the programme previously is an invaluable resource.

RA Alyson Thompson said: “If you are an established company and want to focus on growing a part of your business or if you have a business idea and want to strengthen it – you should apply. At any stage of business, Ignite provides a network of support and the opportunity to get you to the next level.”

RA Holly Mazaar-Fox said Ignite was the best opportunity for any entrepreneur on the island looking to build a solid foundation for their business.

“From a seed idea to a mature company, the programme will enable you to grow at any stage of your journey,” she said. “It is a must for anyone serious about entrepreneurial success!”

In addition to the core programme, Ignite Bermuda also runs the FUEL Your Ambition series for those who are not selected for the Core Accelerator Programme.

This is offered virtually at the same time as the Core programme to a cohort of entrepreneurs who can use the opportunity to grow and develop their entrepreneurial leadership through monthly information sessions that touch on the key points of Ignite.

FUEL participants are invited to reapply for the next cohort and those applicants are often successful due to having a more entrepreneurial mindset and a feeling of readiness to take full advantage of the core programme as a result.

Applications close at 5pm on July 22. Applications received by July 15 will be prioritised in the application review process.

The online application portal will open next week at www.ignitebermuda.com.