Monthly News & Updates
November 2021 Issue
Upcoming
Courses & Events
eMonday
Monday, November 29th
Event - Learn More

Eat. Shop. Play.
November 29th, 2021 - January 2nd, 2022
Event - Learn More

Customer Service: Response, Approach & Reputation
Wednesday, December 1st, 2021
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Webinar - Learn More

Cybersecurity & Your
Offline Business
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Webinar - Learn More


Bermuda Business Spotlight
This month we want to take a moment to highlight Fresh Breath Dental. Fresh Breath Dental, was awarded BEDC Client of the Year award at this year's BEDC Business Awards. BEDC Client of the Year is awarded to the business who has paid off their BEDC loan, current with their BEDC loan or has attended all 3 BEDC courses and also has a proven track record for growth!

Keep up the great work and we can't wait to see how you continue to grow!
This Month at BEDC / The Highlights
Rocket Pitch Competition 2021
Finalists of the 14th annual Rocket Pitch competition, developed and organized by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] pitched their businesses before a panel of judges on Tuesday, November 9th in the hopes of winning a share of $42k in cash and services.


Below are the winners and runner-ups of this year's Rocket Pitch Competition:


Youth Pitch: BookSpace (Marli Spriggs) with runner-up Pressure 'til We Perish (Vincent Darrell)

Pitch Tech: Playdate (Quinn Outerbridge) with runner-up GPS Ltd. (Dallas Scott, Enrico Escolastica and DonIra Philip Rodriguez)

Pitch Pink: Rose of Sharon (Claire Anne Raynor) with runner-up Pink Sands Sanctuary (Cassandra Roberts)

Pitch Green: Sew Brew (Abby Brewer) with runner-up Bermuda Agricultural Group Heritage Collective (BAGH) (Dr. Susann Smith)

Pitch Town: Uplift (Michel'le Cannonier & Kalyn Cannonier) with runner-up GoodJob (Gavin Smith, Aruna Dismont & Deidra-Lee Bean)

Pitch Food & Bev: Gavin's Butter (Gavin Carter) with runner-up The Greenhouse Bermuda (Craig Smith).
BEDC Business Awards 2021
On Nov 13 the BEDC Business Awards celebrated the achievements of Bermuda entrepreneurs that were nominated by the public hosted by Mr. Fotogenik.

The event highlighted the Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Most Enterprising Young Entrepreneur, Vendor of the Year, the COVID Resiliency Award, the BEDC Business of the year, and more. Members of the public were asked to nominate a business of their choice in recognition of their great service, superior product, hard work, and growth.

Below are the businesses that took home awards:

Entrepreneur of the Year: Raisa Tuzo, Owner & CEO, 1616 Cocktails

Business of the Year: People's Pharmacy

Most Enterprising Young Entrepreneur: Nurture Laiche

Family Business of the Year: DeGraff's Lunch Wagon

New Startup of the Year: Leslies' Desserts

Vendor of the Year: Nature's Gift Hair & Body

Covid Resiliency Award: Sargasso Sea

People's Choice Award: Zen Crystals (3342 votes) with 1st runner-up PsyNeu (2228 votes) and 2nd runner-up Bermuda Cupcake Co. (1236 votes).

BEDC Client of the Year: Fresh Breath Dental

St. George's EEZ Business of the Year: In Relation to Immigration with 1st runner-up White Horse Restaurant and 2nd runner-up Yo Cherry.

North East Hamilton EEZ Business of the Year: Toxic Rose with 1st runner-up Hendy's Laundromat and 2nd runner-up Klassiq Kidz.

Somerset EEZ Business of the Year: CN Hairloft with 1st runner-up Highlights Salon and 2nd runner-up De Island Shack.
Women's Entrepreneurship Day Sunday Brunch
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Conference Pre-Brunch was an event that brought together women for a pre-celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and connection.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious brunch from Huckleberry as well as a mixology kit provided by Bacardi Ltd.

The event provided a glimpse into the powerful experience that the attendees got at the full day conference. 
Women's Entrepreneurship Day Conference
Attendees joined for a day of Inspiration, Empowerment, Inclusion and Elevation in celebration of Women in Entrepreneurship.
 
They enjoyed a dynamic virtual conference that had them you engaged, learning, and entertained. The conference also included international and local speakers, workshops, an all female vendor market, a pitch competition, food delivered right to their door, and must have swag!
‌
Things You Should Know
Book an Appointment
Need Further Assistance? Interested in how BEDC can help you in these challenging times? Want to apply for one
of our products? All appointments are completely confidential and complimentary. 

Book a free consultation with one of our officers today.
Entrepreneur Article
5 Marketing Trends E-Commerce Business Owners Shouldn't Miss

Take your e-commerce business to the next level by ramping up your marketing efforts. It's not enough to have a great product and positive reviews. To expand your customer base and get in front of the right consumers, you need to be proactive and ...

Read more
www.entrepreneur.com
BEDC How-To Guides
Are you looking to start a business in Bermuda but don't know where to begin? Let our How-To Guides help you! BEDC has curated a host of industry specific guides that outline specific information, requirements and the necessary processes for getting your business off the ground. 
Upcoming Webinars & Events
eMonday: Shop Bermuda Online
Do you sell products and services online? Do you accept credit card payments online? Do you accept orders online? Are you willing to offer a discount for 24 hours? ⁠
If you answered “YES” to any of the above, sign up to be an eMonday eTailer.⁠
⁠
Prizes will include one $500 voucher to the e-tailer that makes the most individual sales during eMonday 2020, and three $250 vouchers for online buyers to use at any of the participating online shops. ⁠
Eat. Shop. Play
The BEDC “Eat, Shop, Play” Shop to Win is from November 29th - January 2nd with the draw happening on January 4th, 2021.

When you spend $20 or more in any participating restaurant or store in the Economic Empowerment Zones, – Somerset, North East Hamilton and St. George’s – you are entered into a draw for a chance to win a $500, $300 or $200 Gift Voucher to your favourite participating restaurant or store in the EEZ’s.




Happening in the Community
Holiday Shop n' Stroll
Starting THIS Sunday!

Help make this Christmas merry and bright for your family, friends and local small businesses. Join 19 shop, cafes and restaurants (and counting) for a family holiday Shop N Stroll.

Most businesses will be open between 12-4pm (with some open earlier or later)

Come share some holiday cheer, get some great gifts and get the festivities started!
Official Opening: New Edge Diagnostics
Congratulations to Roché Wolffe on the official opening of her business, New Edge Diagnostics.

The BEDC looks forward to continuing to support your entrepreneurial goals and we can't wait to see how your business grows!
ByBermuda Virtual Market
We are excited to announce the launch of BEDC's Virtual Marketplace, ByBermuda! A virtual space for local retailers and vendors to sell their products, goods and services online, without the expense and challenges of running their own website.

Shoppers are able to visit the ByBermuda site to discover one-of-a-kind products and services by local Bermuda businesses.
Tip & Support Articles
Addressing Gaps Between Men And Women Entrepreneurs Can...

Entrepreneurs are an engine of economic growth. Addressing gaps between men and women entrepreneurs can increase innovation, create jobs, improve productivity, boost competitiveness, and grow wealth. With an estimated 274 million women involved...

Read more
www.forbes.com
5 Inspiring Books For First-Time Entrepreneurs

Is now the time for you to join the ranks of other innovators who've decided to jump into the entrepreneurship pool? If so, you're fortunate. Plenty of entrepreneurs who have traveled the same path are eager to share their lessons learned. And...

Read more
www.forbes.com
Here's A Smart Successful Way To Show Gratitude And...

The last twenty months have been brutal. The world still suffers from a tragic virus outbreak. Families have seen loved ones fall sick and succumb from the disease. Millions lost their jobs. Anxiety, stress, depression, substance abuse is at an...

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www.forbes.com
5 Ways To Use Soft Skills To Hone Your Professional...

On its own, problem solving is an undeniably powerful soft skill. The ability to solve issues quickly and effectively remains in demand by employers and employees alike, especially during the pandemic's prolonged uncertainty and ever-changing...

Read more
www.forbes.com
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