A new event for entrepreneurs, called the Bermuda Start Up Challenge, will be held this month.

It is designed to bring together entrepreneurs with the intent of forming teams to tackle problems that exist in Bermuda today, and design a business plan to overcome these problems.

The focus will be on business validation, concentrating on what each team does in terms of analysing and gauging the feasibility of starting their own business. US entrepreneur James Ellsmoor will be the guest speaker.

The weekend event is led by chairman Adrian Lodge and co-chairman John Narraway, and will take place from March 16 to 18 at Innovation House, on Reid Street.

The challenge is supported by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Department of ICT Policy & Innovation.

Guest speaker Mr Ellsmoor, who started a renewable energy company and was named as a Forbes “30 under 30” winner last year, said: “I can’t wait to see everything Bermuda has to offer and meet the inspiring next generation”.

Chairman Mr Lodge said: “This year we are doing something a bit different where, in addition to services offered to the winners, we are also going to be giving away a People’s Choice award which includes a cash prize.

“What we are offering to all residents of Bermuda, is the chance to learn how to take a business idea you have, work with a team and see exactly what it takes to turn that into a reality, with free expert assistance from each of the main areas that you would normally have to pay for: legal, accounting, insurance and technology.

“We would like to thank the sponsors who have graciously offered their support for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem including: BEDC, Department of ICT Policy & Innovation, Digicel, Fireminds, PTix, Innovation House, Connectech, Supatone Innovation, Consultancy House and other service providers in Bermuda. These not only help to keep the event going each year, but also help to keep costs of running the event down.”

For more information about ticket cost and attending visit: https://www.ptix.bm/Event/2855/Bermuda-Startup-Challenge-2018.

To learn more, call 292-5570, or visit the website http://inspireebusiness.bm/index.php/events/startup-challenge