Ignite Bermuda has launched its fourth Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship programme.

The eight-week scheme supports the development of young adults’ passion for entrepreneurship through workshops with industry experts and project-based internships within some of Bermuda’s top start-ups, all of them Ignite entrepreneurs.

After identifying a gap in internship opportunities for aspiring young entrepreneurs, Ignite said, this programme was created to provide real-world entrepreneurial experience and knowledge without requiring the launch of participants' own businesses.

The programme, which is supported by HSBC Bank Bermuda, is under way after beginning with a two-day orientation, aimed at giving the interns a taste of the Ignite experience and to set the foundation for the following weeks.

The interns engaged in topics including customer discovery, mindset and behaviours, value proposition, pitching and persuading and business modelling.

Intern Simone Vaughn said: “The Ignite orientation process exceeded my expectations. I was already excited to be a part of this experience.

“However, the support and guidance I’ve received have only furthered my desire to be an entrepreneur. I look forward to learning more and networking.”

Tea-Tephi Pringle, also an intern, added: “So far, Ignite has provided me with a hands-on learning environment, adding to my growth as a creative problem solver and future business leader.

“The time thus far has been incredibly enriching and motivating whereas I am grateful for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in such a positive setting.”

Intern Markalah Telemaque said: “I’ve felt like I’ve finally found my place in the entrepreneur world; every time I leave a session, I leave fulfilled.”

Over the next six weeks, interns will work within a host start-up and its lead entrepreneur, while continuing to participate in weekly workshops on key topics to apply during their internship and in their future endeavours.

Tanya Bule, HSBC executive committee member, said: “It was inspiring to be a part of the recent panel discussion with Ignite’s 2024 cohort, the energy in the room was truly palpable.

“It is always a pleasure to engage with the young people of Bermuda and to hear their ideas and thoughts about what businesses they are looking to launch.

“The Ignite programme provides such a structure and network which truly propels these young people into the business world. The future is most definitely bright in Bermuda.”

The interns and their host businesses and organisations, are: Akwé Simmons and Kisha Tyrrell, Enzuri Beauty; Alexandra Clare and Lauren Anders Brown, PadsPass; Fasika Simons and Laura Lyons, Ignite Bermuda; Faven Brewster and Feven Binega-Northcott, Harmony Birth Services; Genevieve Bradley and Aymori Duncan, Catch of the Day; Imogen Peckett and Sam Bennett, EcoDive; Isaiah McCaskie and Rashun Robinson, Tempest Studios; Kaiyah Daniels and David Cahill, Bermuda Charge; Ke’Azjah Nesbitt and Sylvia Jones, Corporate Concierge; Lily Van de Weg and Sean Reel, Business X; Markalah Telemaque and Jennifer Wood, Sweat Suites Studio; Milahn Powell and Jen Ward, Inspired; Nhoaa Powell and Jennifer Burland Adams, Epic is Life; Simone Vaughn and Colleen English DeGrilla, Pals Cancer Care; and Tea-Tephi Pringle and Kidist Emery, Salon Pink.