Bermuda is to start Global Entrepreneurship Week early.

GEW will held worldwide between November 12 and 16, but Global Entrepreneurship Week Bermuda has teamed up with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Government’s ICT policy department and the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative to mark the occasion tomorrow.

Jamahl Simmons, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, will launch the event series.

Events will continue on Friday with the “It’s A Family Affair” family business event at Gosling’s Wine Cellar from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, which will feature a panel of local business owners.

A GEW Entrepreneurship Festival will be held on the grounds of Cabinet Building on November 9 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm with entertainment, food and island-made products.

The second annual Small Business Awards will be held on November 11 at Pier 6 in Hamilton, and the finals of the Rocket Pitch competition will be held on November 15 at AXA XL on the city’s Bermudiana Road.

The Rosewood Tucker’s Point resort will host a Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Conference on November 16.

Jamillah Lodge, information and education communications officer for BEDC and GEW project manager, said: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is a time to celebrate, inspire and create new ideas to drive innovation and economic growth.

“In Bermuda, we have seen many entrepreneurs succeed and bring their vision to life, and we want to continue to inspire people to make their business ideas a reality.

“We encourage anyone interested in starting their own business, or those who just want to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, to come out and take part in the events put on during the month of November, and beyond.”