After a number of previous successes, the Ice House Entrepreneurship programme returns to Hamilton this month to provide education and guidance for students with ambitions to run their own enterprise.

The programme was introduced to Bermuda in 2015 and has described as “an educational opportunity not to be missed” by a former student.

The eight-week scheme provides people of all ages with a challenging learning experience and is designed to reveal new opportunities, ignite ambition and foster skills that will empower them to reach new heights as an entrepreneur.

Participants will learn how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, establish goals and manage risks, and build a successful brand.

The programme is being offered by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, and is facilitated by Raymond Lambert, BEDC’s acting micro, small & medium enterprise director and Ondreyah Rochester, the junior micro, small & medium enterprise officer.

Mr Lambert said: “We are excited to be guiding another group of aspiring entrepreneurs through the Ice House curriculum and look forward to seeing how the course inspires and empowers them to turn their ideas into action. We know from past cohorts that there are dozens of creative and unique business ideas floating around in people’s heads, and what this course does is help participants develop the mindset, skills and confidence to start working towards creating a tangible business.”

Selena Bean, a past student, said the course was instrumental in helping her to take her virtual administration business to the next level. She added: “Taking the course showed me that all/ most small businesses find it difficult when starting up. It reinforced the saying ‘You get out, what you put in’, and taught me that I am the driving force behind the success of my business.

“The course enhanced my idea for my virtual administration business by teaching me that you have to put yourself ‘out there’ by actively networking with the individuals you would like to connect and conduct business with. It changed my life by showing me that sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone in order to make your dreams a reality and get your business where you want it to be.”

Arin Weller also took the course, and said: “In 2017, my business idea at that time was just that … an idea, and I wasn’t sure how, when or even if I would execute it. Given that this was my first foray into entrepreneurship, I hadn’t a clue of where to start. The course looked like it would be a great introduction into the world of entrepreneurship and would help to push me out of my comfort zone.”

The biggest takeaway from the course was the change it made to her mindset. Ms Weller said: “The course material gave first hand experiences from successful entrepreneurs which is invaluable. It highlighted their struggles, the adversity they encountered and ultimately the mindset they had to have in order to pursue their dreams, despite the challenges. Those real-life lessons, coupled with insightful dialogue between the course instructors and the class participants, which included new and seasoned entrepreneurs, helped to prepare my mind for the entrepreneurial journey ahead.

“Something that sticks with me is the quote that says, ‘Our greatest barrier to success are our own internal beliefs about who we are and what we are truly capable of’. The course challenged me to think bigger, to visualise success, and intentionally make choices that lead to my goals. I gained a renewed confidence in myself and my capabilities.”

The Ice House Entrepreneurship programme will be taught at the BEDC offices, in Sofia House, 48 Church Street, Hamilton, on Tuesdays from September 18 to November 14, between 6pm and 8.15pm.

• For more details visit www.bedc.bm, e-mail info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570