International guru to encourage young entrepreneurs

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9: Entrepreneurs are being encouraged to attend a free networking event to gain valuable knowledge about a variety of sectors.

The Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) is gearing up for its second annual networking event.

It takes place on August 25 and will feature international entrepreneur Magnus Greaves.

Mr Greaves has been named one of Black Enterprise magazine’s top 40 business people under-40.

Communities

He is also the founder of 100 Entrepreneurs, a non-profit foundation which helps young entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities.

Erica Smith of the BSBDC said: “This networking event will connect entrepreneurs and small businesses to each other and to professional service providers that will support and grow their businesses and business ideas.”

Ms Smith said the BSBDC hopes financial service providers, banks, Government agencies, insurance providers, lawyers, public relations companies and the media will participate in the event.

She said: “We have found that many small businesses don’t know where to turn, who to use, or what professionals could be supporting them in their business endeavours, and hence we wanted to create an opportunity for them to meet professional service providers and hopefully form lasting business relationships.

“We see this networking event as a forum for entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs to ‘speed date’ and network with each professional service provider in order to find out what that service provider does and how their services can assist, support, and grow their business.”

Ms Smith said last year, there were 38 professional service providers and vendors who took part in the event.

“These ranged the gamut from the banks to insurers to PR/marketing firms.

“It was dynamic,” she said. 

“Last year we also had over 70 entrepreneurs and businesses register, although with competition from Harbour Nights less people turned up. 

“This year we want to surpass last year’s numbers and our goal is to have at least 100 people with businesses, or looking to start businesses, to show up, especially since it is free.”

There will be giveaways, and anyone looking to start a business or expand their business should register.

Mr Greaves, 37 is a self-taught trader from Vancouver, Canada.

He moved to London in 1994 where he rose the ranks in the financial sector and co-founded MacFutures, an independent firm that seized on the global shift towards electronic trading.

By 2003, MacFutures had expanded its operations to Paris, Chicago and Montreal. Mr Greaves then sold the firm to Refco.

In 2004, he founded DoubleDown Media, a luxury New York-based publisher of luxury-lifestyle magazines including Trader Monthly, Dealmaker, Corporate Leader, Private Air and The Cigar Report.

Ms Smith said: “We are absolutely excited about Magnus coming to Bermuda and know he will offer a great deal of information, knowledge, experience and encouragement for budding and established entrepreneurs, and businesses.

“We were fortunate to be able to get him through our content at Black Enterprise, Sonia Alleyne, who we brought to Bermuda last year.

Passion

“We also want those who may find themselves unemployed and have thought about starting a business or turning their passion into profit to attend.

“We are offering this event free to both the professional service providers who will have their booths to give out information to those who attend and also to the participants attending, mainly because we want as many people as possible to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

The BSBDC second annual networking event takes place at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on August 25. To register visit www.bsbdc.bm or email [email protected].