Five entrepreneurs have graduated from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Enterprise Bermuda Acclerator programme.

The graduates of the EBA’s eighth cohort are John Lee, general manager of Sound Concepts Ltd; Caroline Bartlett, owner of Feel Good Studio Bermuda; Keisha Allen-Smith, owner of Target Learning; Dale Jackson, co-owner of Hindsdale Management; and Dallanika Hayward-Wilson, owner of Touch BDA.

Colina Outerbridge, business data and policy analyst at the BEDC, provided welcome remarks at the cohort’s graduation dinner.

EBA facilitator Tee Ogunyemi provided attendees, including alums and industry experts, with an overview of the six-month programme and acknowledged the dedication required to complete it.

The EBA supports small and medium-sized business owners to help them scale their businesses.

It employs the award-winning StreetWise “MBA” curriculum and a facilitated peer-learning method.

Entrepreneurs receive hands-on training, networking, and industry support to help them scale their businesses.

The BEDC established a partnership with Interise, a non-profit organisation based in Boston, to provide the curriculum for the EBA.

Christina Griffin, programme associate at Interise, sent congratulatory remarks to the graduating cohort via video.

Mr Ogunyemi joined Richard Augustus, client service representative at the BEDC, and the BEDC executive director, Erica Smith, to hand out certificates to the graduating entrepreneurs.

Making closing remarks, Mrs Smith said: “Today marks not just the end of an intensive journey through the Enterprise Bermuda Accelerator but the beginning of these graduates’ entrepreneurial journeys.

“Over the past six to seven months, I've had the privilege to watch you embrace the StreetWise 'MBA' curriculum, engage in peer learning, and grow as entrepreneurs and community leaders.”

She added: “The creativity, passion, and resilience you've shown are markers of great success, and I have no doubt that the future holds incredible opportunities for each of you. The BEDC commits to continuing to help you achieve your goals.”