The second of a ground-breaking course for would-be business owners is to start later this month.

The Ice House entrepreneurship course, which lasts seven weeks, is designed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The first course ran last year, with a total of 18 graduates.

Colina Outerbridge, who completed the training, said: “The programme has helped me to look at my ideas and explore things in a new light and way of thinking.

“It changed my mindset to start thinking like an entrepreneur and allowed me to overcome fear and realise this is something that I can do.”

Fellow graduate, Jahnika Alves, co-owner of doors, windows and glass company Clear Choice, added: “Ice House helped focus me and create a clear path forward on a new business idea I have been considering.

“It was great to connect with other entrepreneurs on a weekly basis — great course, I wish it was longer.”

The US-based Ice House programme was cofounded by Gary Shoeniger and is based on the life and work of Pulitzer prize nominee Clifton Taubert and the business influence of his Uncle Cleve.

The programme was brought to Bermuda through a joint effort by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI).

BEDC economic development officers Ray Lambert and William Spriggs both completed the facilitator training programme at the ELI in Kansas City, Missouri, before launching the programme in Bermuda last year.

This year’s course will be held at the Department of Workforce Development in Hamilton. Registration is $275 and includes books, access to the online learning portal, materials and graduation.

The course starts on Tuesday, January 26 from 6pm to 8.15pm and is limited to a maximum of 25 participants.

Further information at www.bedc.bm. To register, e-mail info@bedc.bm or phone 292-5570