Summer 2024 Edition

Cohort 8 Underway

On April 17th and 18th, we welcomed 35 entrepreneurial leaders to Bootcamp in the Spirit of Bermuda Boardroom, marking our 8th Core Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme.

Cohort members connected with Resident Advisors (RAs), who have previously completed the programme and returned to offer guidance and support. RAs Priya Suagh, Wanda Robinson, Zarinah Codrinton and

Jo-Rena Davis shared invaluable tips on utilizing the programme's benefits.

The Bootcamp also featured a pitch competition, where each startup had 60 seconds to showcase their business. Four outstanding finalists - Seamus Miller (Devil's Isle Shakespeare Company), Waynette Wilson (Vital Line), Arnold and Caroline Todd (Good Ground), and Sam Bennett (EcoDive Ltd.).

In addition, Ignite welcomed over 50 Fuel Your Ambition Series participants, an online monthly initiative designed to complement the core programme. The team has introduced in-person meet and greets each month to explore various topics in the virtual workshops as well as to provide an opportunity for the cohort to connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Pictured: Garita Codrington, KPMG pictured presenting to Cohort 8 at the Self Management Event Night

Pictured: Enablement Manager, Melissa Looby shown facilitating a Meet and Greet with Cohort 8 Fuel Your Ambition Participants, while resident advisor Wanda Robinson shares best pitching practices

SUPPORTING BLUE ENTREPREURS!

The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) and Ignite are excited to collaborate to provide support to entrepreneurs seeking to develop or grow businesses in Bermuda’s Blue Economy.

What is the Blue Economy?

The Blue Economy is defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and increased jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. A healthy ocean is essential for a thriving Blue Economy.

A sustainable ocean economy is only possible with ocean management that considers the interests of ocean stakeholders while balancing the conservation of our island's blue assets. Bermuda’s Final Draft Blue Prosperity Plan creates a framework that:

supports the sustainable management of ocean resources,
coordinates decision-making about marine-based development,
ensures that 20% of Bermuda’s marine waters are fully protected marine protected areas (MPAs),
and provides a strategy for the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy to support local businesses and entrepreneurs that rely on a healthy ocean.

Learn more at bermudaoceanprosperity.org/blue-economy

#BermudaIsWorthProtecting

Look out for more news and announcements about our blue entrepreneurs in the press!

Photo credit: Chris Burville

Photo credit: Shayna Brody

Butterfield Bank Relationship Building Day

On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, we hosted a bank account opening day aimed at connecting with service providers streamlining the process at fostering stronger ties with Butterfield Bank. The event provided participants with invaluable insights into the account set-up process, facilitated by the dedicated Butterfield Team with support from Walkers.

Throughout the morning, attendees were guided through each step of the account set-up process, with the Butterfield Team making themselves readily available to address queries and concerns. A list of requirements was provided to ensure participants were well-equipped with the necessary information.

The session commenced at 9 a.m. with an overview, setting the stage for the day's proceedings. This was followed by interactive small group sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with members of the Butterfield Team and seek clarification on any unclear aspects of the required documentation. A notary from Walkers was on-site to provide assistance with document notarization, ensuring a seamless process for all participants.

Feedback from entrepreneurs who participated in the event, as well as representatives from Butterfield Bank and Walkers, was overwhelmingly positive.

Encouraged by the success of the trial event, we are exploring opportunities to host similar events with other banking partners in the near future.

Co-lab Update

Milton Raposa was part of Cohort 4 and is now an active member of the Co-lab on 5th Floor. He recently offered a private viewing of his latest works to Co-lab tenants. Milton is the founder of Method Media, a video production house that "Tells The Whole Story". He believes film-making should begin with the heart and the head and not just be an instrument of commerce. We asked Milton to provide a brief on what he has been up to recently.

"There has been a lot of activity in the last year. In 2023, I was hired to be the Bermuda producer for a History Channel series (not my first time working with them) and then Method Media was the Bermuda co-ordinator for Real Housewives of Salt Lake City when they filmed here in May. Also in May, I continued work with the Clyde Best Documentary in London and back in Bermuda in September.

Last year, I was given the opportunity to produce a short film about musician Lance Hayward who achieved legendary status outside of Bermuda. This year, I completed another short film about Dr. Ed Harris which also highlighted his work overseas. Summer 2024 sees Method being the Bermuda producer a seven-week shoot for a brand new BBC reality series about the Bermuda Police service. Work continues on a variety projects including a documentary about Bermuda’s only sweat lodge. - Milton Raposa

Community Connections

The team continues to connect with our valued partners ensuring that we develop and deliver sessions and initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of local entrepreneurs. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to maintain a supportive environment that makes doing business in Bermuda more seamless and affordable. We recently met with Clarien Bank, HSBC, Butterfield Bank and Centennial Foundation and we are excited to share new opportunities in the future.

Ignite Entrepreneurs in the News

Cohort 3 and Cohort 7

Inspired Hub and Jessica Lightbourne Coaching

Experts team up to present webinar for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs seeking the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape are invited to attend a webinar.

Cohort 8

Plastic Mermaid

Eco Warriors: Meredith Andrews

Already a household name in Bermuda as a photographer and artist, Meredith Andrews can now add eco-warrior to that list of accolades.

Young Adult Intern

Zenimations

Zen and cultural growth through animation

Zen is in the art of animation, an entrepreneurial journey that has already opened him to business opportunity and exposure to his global peers.

Cohort 8

Catch of the Day

Mobile app cutting food waste a ‘lifeline’ for vulnerable

Founder Aymori Duncan is launching a cloud-based mobile application to tackle what he described as a food distribution crisis in Bermuda.

Cohort 5

Game On

Sports bar opens in time for FA Cup Final

A new sports bar is to open in Hamilton. Game On Sports Bar and Grill, on Bermudiana Road, is owned by businessmen Brian Bennett and Alex Marshall.

Cohort 8

Devil's Isle Shakespeare Company

Shakespeare coming to the island

Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company will stage works of William Shakespeare in Bermuda, aimed at bringing the bard to fresh audiences.

Cohort 7

Sentinel

Hackers coming back for seconds

Rick Mello said cyber attacks against Bermuda have ramped up in recent months, revealing that some companies are being hit multiple times.

Cohort 8

iWork Bermuda

Business picks up at office furniture specialist iWork

Sherry Xu-Trott found that out when she opened office furniture store iWork Bda Ltd on the upstairs of the Washington Mall in Hamilton, a year ago.

#IgniteBermuda

www.ignitebermuda.com