Spring 2026 Edition

Cohort 10 Reaches the Finish Line

On March 25th, Cohort 10 marked the completion of the Ignite Programme with Celebrate Success, bringing together participants for an evening of recognition, and celebration.

Over the past five months, entrepreneurs demonstrated consistent commitment and a strong willingness to grow. While each journey was distinct, the overall progress across the cohort was clear, with entrepreneurs strengthening both their business models and confidence.

Congratulations to those who took home entrepreneuring awards, as follows:

• Ethos Award - Sinead Simmons
• Acceler8 Award - Sydney West 
• Entrepreneurs’ Choice Award - Sue Rebello
• Beacon Award - Angela Fubler
• Dynamism Award - Hannah Lampit
• Heart Award - Kristin Alexander
• Volunteer Award - Jen Ward
• Volunteer Award (2020) - Amrita Bhalla

Congratulations to the following entrepreneurs for successfully completing the Core Programme:

Alexandra Amat (Blue Backyard); Angela Fubler (Chatmore Foundation); Caroline Oldham (Clojilo); Chaella Bradshaw-Douglas (PinkSand Beauty); Charmaine Tucker (Legacy Arc); Dashante Burgess (Bermuda Wound Care Limited); Derell Stinson (Renaissance Amalgamated, Ltd.); Destynie Weir (Bermuda Therapy Network); Gabby Jackson (Connect First); Hannah Lampit (On Island); Jonathan Starling (Trident Bermuda); Kimberlee Tankard (Bermuda Explorium); Kimberly Spenser (Organique); Kristin Alexander (thirdANCHOR); Kylah and Richard Martin (The Well-Versed Life); Livia Schonenberg (Sitter); Noelle Young (Aquaculture Research Centre); Razia Billoo (Ardee Store); Samantha Gerdes and Dr. Alicia Hancock (Island Psychology); Sarah Browne (Alchemy Consulting); Satorie Lawrence (Snack Box); Shakeem Albouy (Woi); Shannon Davis (The Growth Mirror); Shapri Joell (S.P. Trichology); Sinead Simmons (Tribe of Flowers); Sue Rebello (Bermuda Home Renovation); Sydney West (Internship Insights Co.); and Tonae Tavares (Clayground).

We also recognize the following entrepreneurs for their participation and continued progress in the FUEL Your Ambition series:

Alison Hirschi (Alison Hirschi Coaching); Amber Smith (WAMS); Erin Tumbridge (Tumbridge’s Virtual Support); Erin Van Putten (The Commons); Jaylen Ever (Selah); Patricia Chiappa (Memory Lane); Shani Smith (The Music Cellar); Sherman Trott (TASK); Shervonne Cash (Unique Global Events and Services); Shirley Place (Transformation Café); Susie Keyes (Natural Touch); Teledo Breary (QueUnity)

We look forward to seeing how this cohort continues to develop their businesses and contribute to Bermuda’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Blue Economy Innovators Shine at Pitch Competition

On Wednesday, March 4th, we hosted another successful Blue Economy pitch competition at the Ignite Hub, made possible through the support of Bermuda Ocean Prosperity (BOPP). Presenters delivered thoughtful, well-prepared pitches, and the judges engaged deeply with each entrepreneur, offering valuable questions and feedback.

At the end of the evening, several entrepreneurs were recognized. Alexandra Amat of Blue Backyard took first place, receiving prize funding and an additional grant through the People’s Choice Fan Favourite award. Noelle Young of ARC, Aquaculture Research Centre earned second place and also received the People’s Choice Most Investable award. Angela Fubler of Chatmore Foundation’s BDA Legacy Institute placed third.

Audience members shared encouraging feedback, noting the strong preparation of the presenters and the value of the judges’ insights.

We are grateful to BOPP for their partnership in making this opportunity available to Bermuda’s entrepreneurs.

Now Accepting Applications for Ignite Cohort 11



Applications for Cohort 11 are open on our website www.ignitebermuda.com until Friday, April 24th. If you know know someone who could benefit from the programme, please encourage them to apply!

Also, feel free to share details of our Open House as follows:

Early Entrepreneurship in Action

Ignite alum Jennifer Burland Adams, 
Alicia Lister, Chardonae Rawlins, and Hannah Lampit participated as guest judges at the Year 9 Shark Tank event at Bermuda High School (BHS) on Wednesday, March 18th 2026. As graduates of BHS, the moment offered a strong example of how early exposure to entrepreneurship can come full circle.

Students presented thoughtful ideas with confidence and clarity. Many incorporated 
eco-conscious elements and demonstrated a solid understanding of their markets, with several concepts showing strong potential for real-world application. 


Thank you to our alumni for helping to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The Responsibility of Giving Back in Entrepreneurship 

with Kidist Emery

Why does giving back matter in a space where entrepreneurs already receive support?

According to Entrepreneur, Board Director and Mentor Kidist Emery, entrepreneurship is not an individual pursuit. Every founder benefits from mentorship, shared knowledge, and community along the way. That support carries a responsibility to keep opportunity moving forward rather than letting it stop with one person.

Entrepreneurs who give back tend to do so in practical ways. They share what they have learned, support others through challenges, and build trust through consistent action. Their focus extends beyond immediate results to long-term impact and the strength of the wider ecosystem.

For early-stage founders, giving back does not require scale, funding, or formal authority. Many underestimate the value of their own experience. In reality, the lessons learned, the adjustments made, and the resilience built along the way are often the most useful contributions they can offer to others starting out.

“None of us build alone. When founders receive support, it creates a responsibility to keep that energy moving forward, not stopping with us.” — Kidist Emery

In a time of economic and social uncertainty, this approach matters even more. Entrepreneurs are often looked to as leaders and problem-solvers. How they choose to show up, whether through collaboration, mentorship, or shared insight helps to strengthen trust, connection, and long-term progress.

Ignite Alumni Represent at BEDC Small Business Expo

Ignite had a strong presence at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s (BEDC) 4th Annual Small Business Expo, held on February 7th at CedarBridge Academy.

Ignite alumni engaged with aspiring and established business owners, sharing insights on the value of structured support, mentorship, and community in building resilient ventures.

We thank the following entrepreneurs for representing Ignite:



Michelle Jackson, Lornette Furbert, Susann Smith, Gina Davis, Shakeem Albouy, Zarinah Codrington, Angela Fubler, Kristin Alexander, Caroline Oldham, Hannah Lampit, and Sarah Browne

Ignite Entrepreneurs in the News

#IgniteBermuda

www.ignitebermuda.com