The Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, continued the Government’s engagement with Bermuda's entrepreneurial community by participating in the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s latest Chat and Chew last week.
The session focused on the National Entrepreneurship Blueprint and formed part of an ongoing series of discussions following its release. It provided entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders with an opportunity to share their experiences, identify barriers to growth, and help shape the Blueprint’s implementation.
Participants shared constructive feedback on a range of topics, including access to financing, mentorship, business support services, workforce development, market access, and reducing barriers to starting and growing a business in Bermuda.
Minister Hayward, reaffirming the importance of meaningful engagement with Bermuda's business community being vital to successfully implementing the Blueprint, stated, “The National Entrepreneurship Blueprint is not intended to be a static document. It is a living strategy that will continue to evolve through collaboration with Bermuda's entrepreneurs,"
“Each Chat and Chew session provides valuable insight into the realities of starting and growing a business in Bermuda. These conversations allow us to better understand where additional support is needed and ensure that our policies and programmes respond to the needs of our entrepreneurial community."
The feedback gathered through the Chat and Chew series continues to inform implementation of the Blueprint. Since its release, the Ministry has worked alongside BEDC and other key stakeholders to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation, encourages business creation, and helps local enterprises scale and succeed.
Minister Hayward thanked BEDC for its continued partnership in creating spaces for open dialogue and encouraged entrepreneurs to remain actively engaged as the Blueprint moves from strategy to implementation.
"Strong economies are built by people who are willing to innovate, invest, and create opportunities for others. Our role as Government is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. By continuing these conversations, we are ensuring that the future of entrepreneurship in Bermuda is shaped by those who know it best."
The Ministry of Economy and Labour remains committed to implementing the National Entrepreneurship Blueprint in partnership with Bermuda's entrepreneurial community to foster innovation, support business growth, and expand economic opportunities for Bermudians.
