Workshops aim to take your business to the next level

Everyone knows it is a challenging time for retailers and vendors, but now there is help. 

The Economic Empowerment Zones Agency (EEZA) will be hosting a series of workshops for retailers and vendors aimed at providing them with success strategies on how to take their businesses to the next level.

On Tuesday, October 22, the first workshop, ‘Making Money at Vending – tips and  techniques to increase sales and reduce costs’, will be held at the Bermuda Industrial Union from 5:30pm to 8pm. 

Presenters include Nikki Fagan of Advertising Associates, Michelle Wales of the Old Towne Market, Florence Smith of Butterfield Bank, Alexandra Mosher of Studio Jewellery and Vic Ball of Strategic Procurement Solutions.   

Social media

Both Ms Fagan and Ms Wales will share strategies on how social media can increase customer traffic and vendor sales. 

Credit card processing

Florence Smith will showcase Butterfield’s mobile credit card processing devices that create easy credit card processing in any Bermuda location. 

Retailers and vendors Ms Mosher and Mr Pitcher of East End Organics will also be present to share their personal experiences in using Butterfield’s mobile credit card devices. 

Save on importing

And lastly, Vic Ball will discuss key cost saving tips for importers to save money when importing products on to the island.

William Spriggs, the Somerset EEZ economic development officer and seminar organiser, said in a press release: “Vendors and retailers have to be more strategic than ever in getting customers to happily spend their dollars in these times. 

“The EEZA has organized a dynamic presenter line-up for our October 22 workshop. 

“Many entrepreneurs in our current climate are interested more than ever in how social media can transform their businesses. 

“This learning coupled with tips from our presenters will help attendees increase sales revenues and decrease product related costs. 

“This workshop is very timely as it provides tangible strategies on how to achieve these pivotal ideas from those who have already done it.”

The second workshop is titled ‘Vending as a Business — Merchandising for success’ and will be held on November 5. 

The third, ‘Bermuda’s Vendor Markets — Identifying your niche’, will take place on November 19. 

Attendance at all three workshops will gain participants a Certificate of Completion.

All workshops will be held at the Bermuda Industrial Union, 49 Union Street, Hamilton from 5:30pm to 8pm. 

To register in advance, please e-mail [email protected]. 

Registration is $20 for BEDC members and $25 for all others. Those registering for all three seminars, receive a discount of $10.  

Light refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 6pm. Walk-ins are welcome.