Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016 was officially proclaimed by the Minister of Economic Development at a special event at City Hall yesterday afternoon.

“For Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016, the Bermuda host committee aims to encourage Bermuda’s young, budding and established entrepreneurs to participate in a number of activities and local challenges designed to encourage them to think innovatively and unleash their ideas,” Grant Gibbons said.

“GEW also helps Bermuda to promote economic empowerment, workforce development and sustainable development by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation while providing opportunities for Bermuda’s entrepreneurs to be exposed to both local and international opportunities. So let it be known that Bermuda entrepreneurs have what it takes to excel both locally and on the global stage.”

Dr Gibbons also noted that GEW had grown extensively since its “rather humble” beginning back in 2008.

“On a global basis, it is anticipated that this year over 160 will participate and over 20,000 partner organisations will plan more than 35,000 entrepreneurial activities that directly engage more than an astonishing 25 million people,” he said.

“Through the work of the BEDC, as the Global Entrepreneurship Week host, in partnership with the Department of E-Commerce and Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative of Bermuda, GEW, Global Entrepreneurship Week, has grown significantly as well, from four partners, six events and 100 participants back in 2008 to 40 events, 44 partners, 5,000 participants and over 35,000 people reached last year.”

Some of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs including Duch Pops, Lifestyles, Lady Macramé, Confections and Ashley’s Lemonade showcased their goods at the event.

Nick Kempe, the chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, thanked all those involved in the GEW and highlighted some of this week’s events open to the public.

• For more information, visit www.bedc.bm/index.php/gew