Remarks by the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, at the recent Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme Graduation:

Good evening,

Thank you, Chairman for the introduction.

It is a pleasure to be here.

As the Minister responsible for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, I am pleased to be here with you to celebrate the successful completion of the 5th cohort of the Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme.

This year the BEDC gave seven students between the ages of 13 to 21 the opportunity to earn an income and save funds during the summer period.

At the Meet and Greet held on the City Hall lawn to mark the programme's official launch, I enjoyed speaking with all of you about your dreams and plans for your business. Since then, I hope your business has grown and you have gotten that much closer to achieving your goals.

The Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme exposed you to a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship as a viable career option by providing access to education, startup capital, and mentorship to help you launch your businesses and earn an income.

The BEDC's mission is to inspire, inform, support, and grow new and existing Bermuda businesses. The Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme is another tool in the BEDC's toolbox to ensure that the team lays the foundation to deliver on its target mission.

Today, you have completed eight weeks of in-class learning and practice to create your enterprises. Starting a business is difficult, so I congratulate you on completing the process.

Although the Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme was only 8-weeks, I believe the lessons learned will stay with you for a lifetime. If you plan to continue your entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to seek additional support and guidance from the BEDC.

The BEDC has additional support through their general business advice, Incubator and accelerator programmes and educational programs.

By providing entrepreneurs access to education, support, mentorship, and real-life experiences, the BEDC directly contributes to developing a flourishing entrepreneurial culture in Bermuda, of which you are now a part.

Today's graduation is in the BEDC's N.E. Hamilton Enterprise Bermuda Incubator Hub, recently launched to support entrepreneurs in their 12-month incubator programme. This is the next level of support available in Bermuda to entrepreneurs like yourself who have the vision but need a team and support to help them reach their goals.

In closing, I encourage you to continue pursuing your dreams and leverage the knowledge and contacts you have made. You have the power to chart your course and make your dreams a reality.

Congratulations again on your commitment to your businesses and serving your community. As young entrepreneurs, you make a difference, and tonight, we celebrate your success.

Enjoy the rest of this evening