They have already proven they have the talent to run their own business, now they have the managerial know-how to take themselves, and their enterprises, to the next level.

By doing so the first graduates of the Small Business Construction Incubator are fulfilling a Government goal to make Bermuda a "world class centre for entrepreneurial innovation and professional expertise."

Those on the programme learned how to address management and financial challenges.

Many were already entrepreneurs in their own right, working as painters, welders, demolition experts, excavators, carpenters, and masons.

Despite having to keep their businesses running at the same time, they worked through the programme to complete course assignments and reach their graduation, and that involved rigorous international exams.

From industry best practice to pricing strategies, cash flow, contract drafting, quantity surveying and project management, the graduates learned important fundamentals through the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) programme.

They walk away with a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to bidding for work contracts in the private sector and Government jobs.

The 16 participants were: Timothy Boyles, Irwin Trott, Belvin Hendrickson, Sergio Dillworth, Thomas Harvey, Gary Saltus, Salaam Hassam, Jibreel Talbot, Dwayne Bean, Andrea Shakir, Elliot Jennings, Ernest Signor, Andy Smith, Dean Saunders, Damani Robinson and Vaughn Smith.

Mr. Smith, of J&J Maintenance, said: "I learnt a lot on the business side, you need to know about the administration side, contracts, pensions, social insurance and the legal side.

"I didn't know about the different people at the banks and insurance companies and this programme show there is help out there."

Mr. Saunders, of Saunders Maintenance, said: "You can be good at a trade but not necessarily a good manager, you can be the best builder in the world but to be good manager you must know about the business side of construction."

Mr. Signor of Solid Rock Construction said: "One thing I have gained from taking part in this programme is being able to bond with tradesmen in other trades to make me a better developer and make me more productive and efficient."

Finance Minister Paula Cox told the graduates: "You are the standard bearers and you represent the Gold standard and together you will transform the face of the local Bermuda construction industry.

"We are in the business of changing the face of business in Bermuda and as a joined up Government we will work with other Ministries such as the Ministry of Works and Engineering and the Ministry of Housing to provide opportunities to Bermudians in the construction industry.

"There is no reason why graduates should not have the opportunity to participate in some of these (upcoming Government) projects."

Labour Minister Derrick Burgess said: "Our small contractor business incubator graduates have demonstrated commitment and discipline in preparing themselves to be successful entrepreneurs and these trailblazers will set a high standard for other aspiring entrepreneurs of the future."

The next Incubator programme cohort will begin in October. For further information contact Lucrecia Ming, BSBDC assistant general manager at 292-5570.