Global Entrepreneurship Week launched

On Wednesday, 6th November 50 people including, dignitaries, sponsors, entrepreneurs and members of the public all joined the Global Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee to launch Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Bermuda.

Hosted at Nineteen, the launch kicked off with a welcome from Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Chairman, Nick Kempe.  Mr. Kempe welcomed the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Michael Dunkley JP MP, Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Michael Fahy JP, Minister of Home Affairs and Junior Minister of Economic Development, the US Consular General Robert Settje, and attendees to the launch stating that “Entrepreneurship requires an idea, an understanding of an unsatisfied need in the market, passion and relentless determination. I take my hat off to those risk takers that form an integral part of any healthy economy. The need for business creators to succeed in these trying economic times is paramount.”  Mr. Kempe acknowledged the GEW Advisory Board as the driving force behind the coordination of the weeklong events scheduled to take place during GEW from Nov 18th – 24th. 

Following the welcome, the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Michael Dunkley JP MP, Minister of National Security, gave his remarks encouraging young people not to be afraid to take risks, stating “if you don’t take the risk you can’t get the reward.  He offered that he too was an entrepreneur and understands the challenges that exist with establishing a business.

Included in the launch and what will be the first event for GEW, was the award presentations for students who participated in the 2013 YEI BizCamp.  BizCamp, a week-long camp run over the summer sponsored by The Bank of Bermuda Foundation, ARGO Foundation, ACE Foundation, Cellular One, and the Department of E-Commerce, Ministry of Economic Development, allows students to learn about opportunity recognition, pricing, marketing and many other aspects of running a company and developed their own business idea.  As coordinator of BizCamp, Joe Mahoney, Executive Director of YEI and GEW Advisory Board Member announced the winners of the Biz Camp youth business plan competition.  Senator the Hon. Michael Fahy JP, Minister of Home Affairs and Junior Minister of Economic Development joined Mr. Mahoney to present the students with their prizes.  BizCamp top presentation prizes went to the following participants: Third place to Rheina Webb-Hollis and Micha Baker. Second place was won by Renisha Trott, Chelsea Ray, and Britney Bannister. While the top prizes provided by CellOne were taken home by Hannah Guntl and Justin Fullerton. These two also impressed the dignitaries and guest when they presented their BizPlans during the program.  After awarding the students, Minister Fahy provided words of encouragement to the students and attendees suggesting that they continue to take advantage of the resources available to them to help turn their ideas from dreams into reality.

Jamillah Lodge, Business Development Officer with BEDC provided attendees with an overview of the 16 events planned for GEW which include:

Mrs. Lodge acknowledged and thanked all of the local sponsors including: 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, Goslings, Suite Solutions, XL, The Chamber of Commerce, BEPRO, Traveler’s Price Card.com and Nineteen, indicating “without the help and support of the sponsors and partners GEW would not be possible.”

Mrs. Lodge continued stating that “the decision to host the launch at Nineteen was made because it is a physical representation of entrepreneurship.”  Owner of Nineteen, Tim Miller was invited to close the event.  Mr. Miller explained that Nineteen is more than just office space, it is a collaborative work space and houses local and international entrepreneurs who are renting office space on a month to month basis or as needed. He stated that he supports GEW and encourages people to follow their entrepreneurial passion.

Attendees were reminded that competitions were still underway in advance of GEW including the Rocket Pitch Competition which closes on Friday, Nov 8th at 5pm and the TechAwards nominations.  To nominate for 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 log on to www.techawards.bm.

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