Summer 2025 Edition

Celebrating Cohort 9 – A Truly Incredibly Divine Journey

On Wednesday, June 11th, we gathered in celebration to mark the completion of Cohort 9, a group we’ve affectionately come to know as “Incredibly Divine.” 

From the very beginning, Cohort 9 brought courage, creativity, and community spirit into every space they entered. Whether launching a new product, pivoting a service, or planting bold new visions for Bermuda’s future, they’ve shown that collaboration is the most powerful engine for transformation.

Congratulations to the Cohort 9 Core entrepreneurs:

Aisha Spencer • Alandra Swan • Angela L. Fubler • Amanda Duncan • Gilbert A. Darrell • Chardonaé Rawlins • Dr. Dana 'Zhyon' Selassie • Gina Davis • Ian Cook • Dr. Jana Outerbridge • Jaylen Ever • Tomei Swan • Jennifer Walker Smith • Jeremy Deacon • Jerry-Dee Richardson • Brittany Haley • Jessica Burns • Jhashun Minks • Kiaaron Minks • Jordan Ming • Kamel Dickinson • Kyla Flook • Lornette Furbert • Michelle Jackson • Mo Steede • Desmond Hamilton • Murray Scott • Nikeishia Burrows • Rachel Simons • Rickiesha Burgess • Shaneeka Hollis • Sheena Smith • Tamara Stevens • Tré Maxwell • Yolanda Harvey • Zayne Sinclair

Congratulations to the Cohort 9 Fuel Your Ambition Series entrepreneurs:



Anne Kermode • Clifford Stevens II • Francine Parris • Janae Minors • Jazmine Outerbridge • John Willis • Frances Payne • Kimberley Spenser • Mikia Parris-Bean • Nolwenn Pugi • Razia Billoo • Rebeca Moreno • Satorie “Torie” Lawrence • Sinead Simmons • Tamara Bradshaw • Tanika Rayner • Tiffany Durham • Wayneche' Watson

Ignite Entrepreneurial Awards

The Ignite Entrepreneurial Awards celebrated a remarkable group of individuals whose contributions embody the spirit of our community.

Congratulations to the award recipients as follows:

• Volunteer Award: Emilie Faulkner-Meek
• Stellar Award: Holly Mazar-Fox
• Mentor Award: Ian Nash
• Acceler8 Award: Tomei Swan & Jaylen Ever
• Entrepreneurs’ Choice Award: Alandra Swan
• Beacon Award: Rachel Simons
• Ethos Award: Michelle Jackson
• Dynamism Award: Gina EE Davis
• Heart Award: Lornette Furbert

Each honouree reflects the values that make our community thrive. Together, these awardees illuminate what it means to lead with purpose and community spirit.

A Meaningful Exchange: Minister Hayward Connects with Cohort 9 Entrepreneurs

In April, we had the honour of welcoming The Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP to the Ignite Hub — a meaningful opportunity to share the heart of our mission and the impact of our work in Bermuda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

During his visit, Minister Hayward engaged directly with several entrepreneurs from Cohort 9, including Michelle Jackson, Alandra Swan, and Chardonaé Rawlins, who each shared their unique journeys and insights into the entrepreneurial landscape in Bermuda.

We are grateful to Minister Hayward for taking the time to visit the Hub, learn more about our work, and listen to the voices of the entrepreneurs who are actively shaping Bermuda’s future.

Ocean Innovation Takes Centre Stage as Entrepreneurs Compete for Grants

Ignite entrepreneurs took centre stage in May as they pitched their ocean-focused business ideas in a bid to secure cash grants.

The event, held on May 7th, was part of a collaboration between the Ignite and the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP), launched last year to support ventures connected to sustainable ocean resources.

Serving on the judging panel were Ms. Cheryl Ann Mapp, from the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP), Roger Brown, Head of Banking at Clarien, and Polina Branco, Ignite board member.

• Top grant to Sam Bennett (Cohort 8) for his initiative, EcoDive Bermuda

• The second place grant recipient was Alandra Swan (Cohort 9), founder of Pink Sands Education

• Meredith Andrews (Cohort 8 )received a grant for her innovative concept, Plastic Mermade, which transforms plastic waste into marketable products.

• Jerry-Dee Richardson and Brittany Haley (Cohort 9), of JB Coastal Creations, were awarded a grant for their Bermuda-inspired luxury items.

• Additional awards were given based on audience votes: Pink Sands Education was named “Favourite Idea,” and EcoDive Bermuda was recognised as “Most Investable.” Each received an additional grant.

Congratulations to all who took part in the competition. A heartfelt thank you to Joe Mahoney for generously providing pitch coaching in the lead-up to the event.

Calling All Changemakers: Applications Now Open for Our Milestone 10th Cohort!

We’re excited to share that applications for our 10th Cohort are officially open until Friday, July 25th, 2025, at www.ignitebermuda.com. Please help us spread the word and encourage passionate entrepreneurs to apply.

As part of our continued commitment to inclusion and impact, we’re once again partnering with the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) and the Bermuda Health Council to support applicants working in the blue economy and healthcare innovation.

HSBC Brings Banking Insights to the Hub

In May we were delighted to welcome Natasha Pilgrim, Relationship Manager, and Kemda Bean, CAMS, Business Banking Portfolio Manager from HSBC to the Ignite Hub for an engaging session on navigating the Account Opening process for entrepreneurs.

Their visit provided Ignite participants with practical, real-world guidance on how to approach business banking with greater clarity and confidence. From documentation tips to compliance insights, Natasha and Kemda demystified a process that often feels overwhelming for new and growing businesses.

We extend our sincere thanks to both Natasha and Kemda for their time, expertise, and unwavering support of Bermuda’s entrepreneurial community.

We look forward to welcoming HSBC back to the Hub in the near future to continue empowering Bermuda’s changemakers and future leaders.

Ignite Entrepreneurs in the News

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