Entrepreneurs and small business owners were given an insight into the real estate products and services available to them at a seminar held by the Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) Agency.

The meeting entitled 'Real Estate and Property Matters in the EEZ', which was held at the New Testament Church of God, saw delegates listening in to presentations from representatives from Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty, who spoke about buying and selling in the EEZ; WJ Seymour Real Estate Ltd. advised on the value of a survey; Progressive Realty gave an overview of how to make an offer; Bank of Bermuda HSBC identified specialised products available to the EEZ; and Butterfield Bank reviewed the process to obtain financing and pre-approval for a loan.

The three-hour seminar began with an overview of the EEZ land use and design plan by EEZ Agency director Erica Smith.

Following on from the seminar, Mrs. Smith took the new Mayor Charles Gosling and other members of the Corporation of Hamilton, as well as area partners on a walking tour of the North Hamilton EEZ area, showing them areas of opportunity in the Zone and reiterating the need for support from the Corporation.

"This (walk) was an opportunity to point out the disparity that exists between the development on Front Street and North East Hamilton and to work towards developing a plan to change it," she said.

The third of the EEZ events saw more than 50 residents and business owners attend a loan and grant seminar at the Bermuda Industrial Union, where Mrs. Smith and business development officer Roxanne Christopher detailed the various products on offer in the Zone and how to apply for them, including the grant and interest free loan programme available in amounts up to $10,000 each; customs duty deferral and payroll tax concession.

The series of events culminated with the official open house of the EEZ Agency office at 38 Union Street, with residents, business owners, Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation board members, Corporation of Hamilton members and business partners on hand to celebrate its official opening last Friday and be given a tour of the new facility.

BSBDC board member George Scott said: "It is fortunate to be located right in the EEZ as it will better allow the Economic Empowerment Zone Agency team to serve the area's residents and business owners."