Sparking Success: Cohort 9 Highlights | | |
Bootcamp
We kicked off Cohort 9 with Bootcamp on Wednesday January 8th and 9th in Spirit of Bermuda Boardroom, the Argus Building, diving into key sessions on Mindset, Customer Discovery, Value Proposition, and Pitching.
We also launched the Cohort 9 Fuel Your Ambition Series, a virtual programme designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs on their journey.
Congratulations to our outstanding pitch winners 9 (pictured from left to right): Jhashun Minks, Chardonaé Rawlins, Michelle Jackson, Gina E.E. Davis, and Kiarron Minks.
Thank you to our guest pitch judges Frank Amaral, Michael Hollis, Shira Jatto, Robin Mayor, Jen Ward and Chris Faria.
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Acceler8
On Wednesday, March 19th Acceler8 took place in Spirit of Bermuda Boardroom, the Argus Building. The energy in the room was electric. Congratulations to our outstanding pitch winners: Lornette Furbert, Yolanda Harvey, Kamel Dickinson, and Alandra Swan. These talented entreperneurial leaders showcased innovation, determination, and vision, leaving us all inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our alumni panelists—Kayuntae Ming, Dr. Ernest Peets, Feven Binega-Northcott, and Rhiannon Fox Nanatte. We are appreciative of the contributions of our guest judges: Peter Dunkerley, Donnie Francis, Joe Mahoney, Jane Burt, Erica Smith, Polina Branco, and Ann Spencer-Arscott. Your expertise, feedback, and unwavering support were invaluable.
We are equally grateful to Argus for hosting us in the Spirit of Bermuda Boardroom. The venue set the perfect stage for learning and pitching.
| | Cohort 9 Pitch Winners (from left to right): Lornette Furbert, Yolanda Harvey, Kamel Dickinson, and Alandra Swan | | Alumni Panel (from left to right): Kayuntae Ming, Feven Binega-Northcott, Dr. Ernest Peets, and Rhiannon Fox Nanatte | | Cohort 9 Participating in a Group Activity. Shanneeka Hollis, Rachel Simons, Rickeisha Burrows and Laura Lyons | | Special Event Nights, Guest Events and Huddles | | |
We’ve had an exciting lineup of sessions this cohort packed with insight, inspiration, and entrepreneurial energy.
Here's a quick look at what’s been happening:
- Mental Health & Resilience with Dr. Adriene Berkeley (Cohort 3, PsyNeu)
- Sustainability for Entrepreneurs with Cheryl Mapp, Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme
- Know Your Numbers led by KPMG Bermuda
- Self-Management & Productivity with Garita Coddington—plus a special shoutout for her Volunteer Award from Celebr8!
- Becoming “Official” with BEDC’s Dennis Carter, followed by a panel with Shelrina Thomas, Tomika Pacheco & Kisha Tyrrell
- LinkedIn for Business Growth with Bill McCormick
- Legal Essentials & PIPA Compliance with Walkers Bermuda
- Meet the Mentors—a night of networking and connection with experienced guides
- Women Empowerment Workshops with Holly Mazar Fox—celebrating connection during Galentine’s and International Women’s Day
| | Strengthening Connections: Mentor Network News | | |
On March 26th, we hosted the ‘Meet the Mentors’ event. This was an opportunity for potential mentees and mentors to connect, ensuring the perfect mentorship match for the upcoming cycle.
Mentorship pairings for the upcoming cycle (April - October) are now underway. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and contributed to making it such a success.
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Meet Feven Binega-Northcott
We’re excited to welcome Feven Binega-Northcott into her new volunteer role coordinating our growing Mentor Network.
Feven is no stranger to Ignite—she’s a proud alum of Cohort 6 and brings a wealth of experience in education, support work, and community building. She is a certified Montessori Early Childhood guide, an accredited birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and lactation counsellor.
With a deep belief in the power of education, advocacy, and compassionate support, Feven brings both heart and insight to everything she does. We’re thrilled to have her helping coordinate and strengthen the meaningful connections that make our Mentor Network so impactful.
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The Ignite Co-Lab continues to be a thriving place for our alumni to continue their growth on their entrepreneurial journeys. To date, we have supported over 40 entrepreneurs, saving our community over $500,000 in workspace costs - so far! While our waitlist for private offices continues to grow, we currently have cubicles and hot desk memberships available (for now!).
Check out our new webpage, www.ignitebermuda.com/co-lab, created as an easy way for our community to learn more about what the Co-Lab has to offer. We’re here when you need us, no matter the stage of your journey.
| | | | Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs | | |
Mount Saint Agnes Academy (MSA)
Manager of Enablement and Entrepreneurial Acceleration, Laura Lyons and Ignite alumni entrepreneurs Carl Vincent, Jhashun Minks, Kiaaron Minks, and Vince Hunt shared their journeys with an eager audience at MSA on Friday March 7th. They offered an honest look into the realities of being your own boss. From the grit and resilience required to adapt to challenges, to the behind-the-scenes moments that truly define entrepreneurship, their stories were a testament to what it means to forge your own path. We extend a warm thank-you to the Ignite alumni for their invaluable contributions to our community.
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Bermuda High School Workshop
The team recently hosted a group of Year 9 students from Bermuda High School (BHS), who participated in a workshop as part of their class project. The students were tasked with developing a product, business model, and pitch, giving them hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
During the session, they had the opportunity to present their ideas and receive feedback from the team. This not only helped them refine their pitches but also provided real-world insights into the process of pitching a business concept. It was inspiring to see these young minds engage in entrepreneurial thinking, and we’re proud to have been part of their learning experience!
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Enterprise Pitch Competition (BHS)
We want to send a huge thank you to Ignite alunmi Antonia Holder, Holly Mazar-Fox, Tyasha Smith and Rhiannon Fox Nanette who volunteered as pitch judges for the Enterprise Pitch Competition. The Enterprise Project, which integrates business studies, psychology, and design & technology, involved 42 students working in teams to develop a sales product and a for-profit business plan.
Georgia Rego, Programme Manager at Ignite Bermuda, shared Ignite’s excitement in supporting the event for a second year: "We loved welcoming the class to our Hub for a pitch workshop, where we worked hands-on with the students. Their confidence and creativity were truly impressive. A huge thank you to our incredible alumni who generously shared their expertise as pitch judges. Congratulations to all who participated!"
| | Ignite Entrepreneurs in the News | | | | |
Cohort 9
MLK & HNY
New Online bakery offers sweet treats
When Tomei Swan and Jaylen Ever formed boutique dessert company MLK & HNY, they pledged to be environmentally friendly. Since their soft launch this February, that has been a challenge…
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Cohort 9
Rize Technologies
Document automation through Helios AI
Rize Technologies, a Bermudian-based provider of information technology and artificial intelligence-driven business solutions, has announced the launch of Helios AI, a secure artificial intelligence platform.
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Cohort 8
Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company
Fledgeling theatre company has big plans for year ahead
Seamus Miller, the founder of Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company, a Bermudian-based theatre company that launched last year hopes to expand in 2025, said the organisation planned to remount its first production, an adaptation of The Tempest.
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Cohort 8
Tuwile
Jeelise Allen launches specialised grief counselling practice, Tuwile
Ms Allen believes it is the first practice of its kind on the island. Tuwile offers individual and group grief therapy, corporate workshops, and support services for adults.
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Cohort 6
Pod
Birth and family support business launched
Feven Binega-Northcott and Rhiannon Fox Nanatte have launched Pod, a business supporting families through fertility, pregnancy, post-partum, lactation and beyond.
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Cohort 6
DropIt
DropIt appoints Stefanny Sanchez as COO
DropIt, the online grocery delivery service, has appointed Stefanny Sanchez as its new chief operating officer.
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