Seventeen entrepreneurs have completed the third Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship programme presented by Ignite Bermuda.

The participants, aged 19 to 25, developed their passions for entrepreneurship through workshops and part-time internships with some of Bermuda’s top start-ups, all Ignite graduates.

Workshop topics included mindset and behaviours, customer discovery, entrepreneurial leadership, access to capital and bootstrapping, and the Bermuda economic outlook, all presented by industry experts, the Ignite team and alumni.

Interns worked alongside an entrepreneur on an independent project.

Participant Zen Marley Mello, 18, has an animation business, Zenimations.

He said: “I’ve learnt to understand and value failure, and see it more as a part of the process rather than something to stop me in my tracks.

“I have gained much more confidence in myself. I understand self-value more and feel more comfortable with setting my prices higher.”

Elisha Thomas, 23, has a painting and home repair business, Thomas Painting and Maintenance. He has also continued to work with his host business, The Consultant Group.

Mr Thomas said he had previously been oblivious to this type of programme and the necessary mindset to which he has now been exposed.

He said: “I want to thank everyone who helped me get involved with this programme and gave me the opportunity to meet people who have similar interests.”

He won the “Ignite Spark” for taking action outside his comfort zone, the organisation said.

Ignite said more than 45 per cent of participants started their business before the programme, with 95 per cent saying that the programme helped them to gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship.

Upon completion, each intern delivered a five-minute presentation on their experience, what they learnt and how they were going to apply it, moving forward. Selected closing presenters competed for a cash prize.

Zakkiyah Showers won first place and $200, Zen Marley Mello won $150 in second place, and Zahn Richardson won $100 in third.

In congratulating the interns, a representative from sponsor HSBC Bank Bermuda, said: “The Ignite Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship Programme is vital in inspiring and helping young people create new businesses in Bermuda. The programme requires extraordinary dedication and drive."