Cohort 10’s Pathway of Learning and Leadership | | |
We kicked off Cohort 10 with Guest Events and Event Nights designed to provide the tools and insights needed to move their ventures forward. The KPMG team set a strong foundation for financial clarity with our first event night. We then shifted into a meaningful Self Management session centered on mental health with Dr. Laura Thomas from Solstice, followed by productivity workshop with Garita Coddington from KPMG that helped participants build habits they can rely on long term.
Bill McCormick joined us online for a lively LinkedIn session on profile optimization and authentic connection, giving entrepreneurs practical ways to strengthen their presence.
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We then welcomed Cheryl Mapp from the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme for an eye opening look at how the ocean economy shapes entrepreneurial opportunity. Alandra Swan, Cohort 9 alum and founder of Pink Sand Education, along with Dwyane Trott, Cohort 3 alum and founder of Clean Energy Storage Solutions of Bermuda (CESS) shared their real world experience. Partnering with the BEDC, we also hosted Richard Augustus for an insightful Getting Official session on the regulatory steps needed to legitimize a business, supported by thoughtful contributions from panelists Monique Bridgewater, Cohort 5 alum and founder of Figures Accounting and Tomika Pacheco, Cohort 5 alum and founder of Off Grid Bermuda.
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To round out the sessions, our expert huddles with Giles Belfrage and Jen Ward, Cohort 3 alum and Inspired Bermuda founder, delivered immense value. Giles provided clear, confidence building guidance on financial management through QuickBooks, and Jen offered sharp, practical marketing strategies the cohort could put into action right away. Cohort 10 RA and Cohort 9 alum, Rachel Simons hosted a vision boarding session that focused on helping the entrepreneurs pinpoint their goals and outline the direction they want their businesses to take. Michelle Jackson, Cohort 10 RA and Cohort 9 alum, hosted an informative session on AI and the ways our entrepreneurs can use it as a tool to develop their business.
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We have the following Cohort 10 Events scheduled for 2026:
- Acceler8 - Wednesday, January 7th 2026
- Legal Event Night with Walkers - Wednesday, January 14th 2026
- Investor Ready Event Night - Wednesday, January 28th 2026
- Lean Numbers and Marketing Event Night - Wednesday, February 11th 2026
- Visioning Event Night - Wednesday, February 25th 2026
- Mindful Reset Event Night - Wednesday, March 11th 2026
- Celebrate Success - Wednesday, March 25th 2026
Please email hello@ignitebermuda.com, should you wish to attend any of these sessions
| | Ignite Mentor Network: Where Guidance Meets Opportunity | | |
On Friday, November 28th, we hosted a Coffee Chat for Ignite mentors. It was a way to bring our seasoned mentors and new and potential mentors together for open conversations about the mentoring experience at Ignite, including what has worked well in the past.
Then on December 10th, we welcomed both potential mentees and mentors to the Meet the Mentors Guest Event in the Co-Lab Presentation Space on the third floor. This gathering made way for meaningful introductions and early relationship building. It also highlighted the ongoing importance of mentorship as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial development. Several new mentorship pairings began to take shape, preparing to move forward fully in the new year.
| | We remain grateful for our supportive and dependable mentors. They continue to invest their time, expertise and steady encouragement into the growth of our entrepreneurs, and their generosity strengthens our entire community. | |
New Wave Pitch Competition: Standout Moments
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As part of Global Entrepreneurship Month Bermuda, the BEDC's New Wave Pitch Competition took place in November at the Hamilton Princess. The competition allowed entrepreneurs a five minute window to pitch followed by a question and answer segment before a panel of judges, with all finalists receiving pitch training in advance. Ignite’s Deputy Director, Laura Lyons, delivered a dedicated pitch workshop that equipped finalists with the tools and confidence to present their businesses effectively.
Five grants of up to $25,000 were awarded across three Local Industry Innovator categories, one Youth Entrepreneur category, and one People’s Choice award.
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This year’s Pitch Competition featured several Ignite alumni as standout finalists. In the Adult Category, Tomika Pacheco of Off Grid RV, Antonia Holder of DigiRoo, and Kamel Dickinson of Echelon were all recognized for their strong business models and innovative approaches. In the Youth Category, Chaella Bradshaw-Douglas of Pink Sand Beauty and Sydney West of Internship Insights Co. earned finalist honours, showcasing the next generation’s talent and determination.
| | Ignite Entrepreneurs in the News | | | | |
Cohort 6 and Cohort 9
Homestead
Four Bermudians Join Global Rights Project
Four young Bermudians - Zarah Siddiqi, Zayne Sinclair, Christopher Jackson, and Gabriel Smith - have been selected to collaborate with international students...
Read more
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Cohort 8
Teleconnect
Dayla Burgess Named 2025 Woman of the Year
The Women’s Empowerment Summit [WES] announced that clinical counsellor Dayla Burgess has been recognised as the 2025 Woman of The Year...
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Cohort 9
Kindness as a form of care
November has a way of stirring more than excitement. For many families, it brings reflection, fatigue, and at times a quiet worry about how we’ll manage everything emotionally and financially...
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Cohort 2 and Cohort 8
The Drip Bar Bermuda
Dripbar celebrates anniversary with free shots
The Dripbar offers full-body red light, lymphatic massage, arm, leg and hip compression, intramuscular booster shots and intravenous vitamin infusions in a dedicated drip lounge...
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Cohort 9
The Retreat House
Business launched for products catering to neurodiverse
Retreat House a safe space for cancer patients
In the 13 months since turning the family home into Retreat House, Jessica Burns has held four weekend events for cancer patients...
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Cohort 2 and 3
The AgraLiving Institute
AgraLiving to host fifth anniversary community event
A social enterprise whose goal is to improve food security while providing sustainable farming education is inviting the community to celebrate its fifth anniversary...
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