Budding entrepreneurs win cash and other prizes for their business ideas
REMARKS: Celebration of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards
Dr. the Hon. E. Grant Gibbons, JP, MP, Minister of Economic Development
Thank you for joining us and welcome to the 2016 Technology Innovation and Rocket Pitch Awards.
As many of you know, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is Bermuda’s principal source of free confidential business advice for entrepreneurs.
Its mission is to serve Bermuda’s local business community by providing authoritative business advice, counsel, and loan guarantee support.
The BEDC understands the need to grow and sustain a thriving entrepreneurial eco-system here in Bermuda.
Bermuda's participation in international events, such as Global Entrepreneurship Week, is part of this effort, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of entrepreneurship as an empowerment tool in our community.
For nine years, the BEDC, the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Department of E-Commerce, have worked together as the Host Committee, to bring Global Entrepreneurship Week to Bermuda.
During this week, we celebrate entrepreneurship along with over 160 other countries all of whom work to inspire, mentor and engage the next generation of leaders, innovators and creators.
Bermuda has been recognized on an international level at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress for its work towards growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem locally.
For three years, Bermuda, out of 160 countries, received the “Champion Catalyzer Award” (Most Events per Capita and Most Partners per Capita).
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Host Committee.
Global Entrepreneurship Week emphasizes innovation and imagination, and encourages creativity amongst existing and new entrepreneurs in Bermuda and around the world.
Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016, started off with a public proclamation and launch on Monday, November 14th.
Since then, the Bermuda Host Committee has been hard at work creating opportunities for Bermuda’s youth and budding entrepreneurs to participate in a number of activities and local challenges which are specifically designed to encourage them to think creatively and develop their ideas.
As of today, an impressive 45 events and activities have been rolled out as part of GEW.
Tonight, we celebrate the winners of the Technology Innovation Awards (Tech Awards) and the Rocket Pitch Competition.
The Tech Awards celebrate Bermuda's best in Technology, Innovation and Creativity and assist the Department of E-Commerce in the promotion of Bermuda as a sophisticated technology and e-business jurisdiction.
Another key event on the GEW Bermuda calendar is the Rocket Pitch Competition – a contest that enables young Bermudians to deliver a 7-minute “business pitch” to win seed money for their venture.
We are here tonight to celebrate these inspiring entrepreneurs and businesses owners.
During this week we have seen proof that Bermudians have what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs and help reinvigorate our local economy.
All those who have participated, whether they will be accepting awards tonight or not, are to be congratulated for their significant achievements.
This Government is committed to business and job growth and the recovery of our economy.
We are confident that through continuously offering opportunities to our local Bermudian entrepreneurs we can help to foster economic growth, create opportunities for new business and facilitate job creation.
We are grateful to all of the sponsors who support GEW every year.
Bermuda’s economic prosperity is founded on entrepreneurial vision, hard work and ingenuity and this Global Entrepreneurship Week’s activities supports and sustains this important and valuable sector.
In nine years, we can see the impact of GEW on the local community with the BEDC Rocket Pitch Competition being responsible for over 16 new businesses being formed.
As I close, I encourage you to continue to think big and push the envelope.
In the words of Dr. Napoleon Hill: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe – the mind can achieve.”
Tonight we celebrate what great minds can achieve.
Photo caption:
Minister of Economic Development, Dr the Hon. E. Grant Gibbons, is joined by the sponsors of the Rocket Pitch Competition behind the first place winners in the four categories of the Rocket Pitch Competition, Pitch Town, Pitch Pink, Pitch Green and Pitch Tech.
L-R Back row: Jamillah Lodge, Anthony Hansen, Minister Gibbons, Erica Smith, Marisa Stones, Nick Kempe
Front row: Derek Fisher, Linda Cook, Cesar Filices, Kenaz Lodge.