The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation has launched the next cohort of their Enterprise Bermuda Incubator.

An orientation held Friday welcomed 15 new businesses, marking the start of their 12-month journey.

The incubator caters to entrepreneurs seeking to kick-start or expand their start-ups, particularly those in their first three years of operation. This year’s cohort will benefit from various resources, including educational courses, office space, global learning opportunities and mentorship.

A partnership between BEDC and the Accelerator Centre in Waterloo, Canada provides an extensive curriculum and access to experienced mentors, aligning with BEDC’s goal of supporting entrepreneurial success.

“I continue to be excited about our ongoing partnership with AC, one of the world’s top five private business accelerators since 2017,” BEDC executive director Erica Smith said. “Having cultivated some of the most innovative and impactful entrepreneurs and companies, our Enterprise Bermuda Incubator cohort will have access to some of the AC’s best curriculum, content, mentors and networks to allow them the opportunity to soar.”

Ms Smith said they were looking forward to seeing how this year’s founders and chief executive officers utilise these resources.

“I am sure we will not be disappointed with the outcomes a year from now,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to working with the 2024 cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator programme,” AC CEO Jay Krishnan said.

He said AC and the BEDC were fuelling economic growth and paving the way for local businesses to thrive.

During the programme’s orientation, local business owners Gavin Carter of Gavin’s Butter and Kalyn and Michel’le Cannonier of Uplift shared their experiences with the new cohort.

They spoke about what to expect from the programme, shared their own stories, and gave tips to the new group.