Eighteen aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Enterprise Bermuda incubator programme.

Graduate Kisha Tyrrell of Enzuri Beauty said: “The BEDC programme provided me with essential resources that helped me grow my business. The access to mentors was what I found most valuable.”

She added: “It was great being part of a community of entrepreneurs and for the opportunity to become part of the BEDC family.”

Other programme graduates included Tomika Pacheco, Off Grid RV Co; Najee Musson, 24/7 Lush BDA; Tia Crockwell, OnSight; Joshun Stovell, Enlightened Expertise; Petrice Madeiros, Mobile Biometrics Services; Aymori Duncan, Catch of the Day; Derrick Smith, S&A Total Clean; Sabriuna Wilkinson, Nuture Laiche; Zayne Sinclair, Sinclair’s Seed Sowing; Felica DeRoza, Dayrosia; Khomeini Taalib-Din, Best Buds; Davida O’Brien, Vida Fusions; Sherlrina Thomas, Nia Concierge; Nioka Francis, Blue Lily Consulting; Astoria Smith, Lacquered Lounge; and Kalyn and Michel’le Cannonier, Uplift.

Nikki Fagan, Enterprise Bermuda incubation lead, said: "These 18 individuals have transformed from budding entrepreneurs into driving forces of innovation.

“As they step forth from the Enterprise Bermuda incubator, I can't wait to see their businesses take off and how they can make an impact on our local economy!”

Launched in 2018 as a pilot, Enterprise Bermuda has grown from eight entrepreneurs to the 18 budding entrepreneurs in this fifth cohort.

The BEDC said the expansion was made possible in part to the addition of three new Enterprise Bermuda hubs located in the island’s economic empowerment zones and enhanced programming through a partnership with Canada’s Accelerator Centre.

The partnership allows the BEDC to license AC's globally recognised programming, online platform, and mentorship model.

Erica Smith, BEDC executive director, said: "We're excited about continuing our partnership with the Accelerator Centre.

“Our goal at BEDC is to continue to make things better for Bermuda's entrepreneurs.

“Partnering with the Accelerator Centre will help us do that. Their knowledge and network will open new doors for local entrepreneurs, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

A graduation dinner for the cohort opened with a welcome message by the chairman of the BEDC board, Jache Adams, who shared words of encouragement.

He said: "You each dedicated 12 months of your time to develop your ideas and build your businesses. Although I am sure you are all at varying stages of business development, I hope that throughout your tenure with Enterprise Bermuda, you have gained something and are better off than where you started.”

A representative of AC, director of programmes and client experience Beatriz Zanatelli, participated in the graduation and induction ceremony.

While on island, she toured the EB hubs and visited entrepreneurs across Bermuda to better understand the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

She encouraged the entrepreneurs to “network as much as they can. Your network is your net worth”.

Ms Zanatelli noted the importance of being part of a strong community.

She said: “Community offers resources that can be extremely valuable to their businesses and to themselves. Entrepreneurship is only lonely if we make it so.”

Ms Smith added in closing remarks: “The BEDC is filled with anticipation as we look forward to the growth of each business. Although this cohort has ended, it does not lessen BEDC’s unending support.

“Our commitment to boosting Bermuda's entrepreneurial scene continues, backed by our partnership with the Accelerator Centre. We are ready to support them at every turn, with graduation being only the start of their promising journeys.”