Entrepreneurship Week to inspire young people

Innovators and the creatively-minded will have the chance to shine on the local and global stage with the launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week this week.

On Wednesday, 6th November at the newly opened entrepreneur’s office suites, Nineteen the Bermuda Host Committee will unveil the exciting lineup of activities and challenges slated to run from now until the end of GEW 2013, November 18th to 24th.

With the goal to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity, Global Entrepreneurship Week encourages youth to think big and turn their ideas into reality.

The Bermuda Host Committee consists of representatives from: the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), the Department of E-Commerce, and The Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative (YEI) of Bermuda supported by a GEW Advisory Board comprised of representatives from Bermuda’s Emerging Professionals (BEPRO), The Ministry of Economic Development’s Business Development Unit and local entrepreneurs.

Joining these organizations to celebrate entrepreneurship in Bermuda are local partners and sponsors Belco, Bermuda Gas, iFM, Air Care; Link Bermuda, the Department of Ecommerce, More Pink Bermuda, BPSU, HSBC,  Butterfield Bank, Bermuda Realty Group, KPMG, Deep Blue Communications, MindMaps, Amicus Corporate Services, Nineteen, Goslings, Suite Solutions, XL BEPRO, Traveler’s Price Card.com.

In today's increasingly interconnected world, new entrepreneurial ideas can be born anywhere - but to truly flourish, they must be nurtured. Global Entrepreneurship Week will spotlight how young people's ideas can contribute to global economic development, and will give them the tools to put those ideas into practice.

The Rocket Pitch Competition is currently underway.  This Island-wide Business Plan Competition for emerging entrepreneurs challenges existing and burgeoning entrepreneurs to submit a abbreviated plan to launch an enterprise providing products or services in the technology, tourism, or local business categories. Participants will have 7 minutes to “pitch their ideas to a panel of judges on November 18th, the first day of GEW.  Top entries will be presented with business start-up services and funding enabling them to go from concept to creation.

Also underway are the nominations for the TechAwards with recognition for the Most Innovative Youth Project, Innovation of the Year in the Bermuda market and Innovation of the Year in the Global market, along with the newly introduced People’s Choice Award which will be contested on Facebook between November 8th and 15th.

And the final of the youth business plan presentations from the 2013 YEI BizCamp which will take place at the Launch Event on November 6th.

Activities planned for GEW include:

1)         Rocket Pitch Competition - young Bermudians delivering “business pitch” on their creative business idea in the tourism/hospitality, technology or local service industry.

2)         Bermuda Realty – Lunch & Learn – Will advise entrepreneurs of opportunities that exist in the real estate industry regarding lease and purchase of commercial properties

3)         Business Talk – Filmed buy CITV, this will be a televised interview with past participants of GEW.  This will be aired the first day of GEW, Nov 18th.

4)         BEPRO Lunch & Learn - a panel discussion with entrepreneurs on their challenges, and goals.  Will also include an overview of the requirements for starting a business.

5)         Tech Awards Finals – this will be a closed judging session of the Tech Award Nominations

6)         Youth Workshop - with Adult Education Students to review 4 areas: Identifying business opportunities, Customer service, Financing the business, and Mentorship.

7)         Young Entrepreneur Mixer – Evening session that will bring Bermuda’ young entrepreneurs together to network with each other and share ideas.

8)         eBusiness Seminar Lunch & Learn – Will review the process of establishing an online business with presentations from the Bank, entrepreneurs and BEDC.

9)         4th Annual BEDC B2B Networking Trade Show –an opportunity to network with new customers and partners with a focus on diversification in business.

10)      Tech Talk Panel Discussion – A panel discussion regarding how to utilise technology to increase sales and efficiency.

11)      GEW Celebration of Entrepreneurship Reception and Tech Awards – Sponsors and participants are invited to celebrate the Rocket Pitch and Tech Awards winners.

12)      Grand Opening of New Business – “All Things Sassy”

13)      Old School Bazaar, Somerset – Somerset entrepreneurs will work together to turn Manchester street into a festive atmosphere to increase foot traffic to the area.

14)      Olde Towne Market, St. George’s – St. George’s vendors market featuring a public crowd funding activity for entrepreneurs willing to pitch their idea to the public for a cash donation.

Go to www.bedc.bm for further information on GEW Bermuda ’13 or check out GEWBermuda Facebook page.