Micro, Small, & MediumEnterprise Unit
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Unit assists with the development, implementation and execution of the Corporation’s vision and strategy by providing business development advice, guidance, and financial support to Bermuda’s micro-enterprises/vendors, small businesses, and medium-sized business, as well as entities local in Bermuda’s Economic Empowerment Zones.
Donte Hunt
Director of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise
South East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone
Ondreyah Rochester
Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprise Officer
North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone
Dennis Carter
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Officer
St. George's Economic Empowerment Zone
Richard Augustus
Assistant Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Officer
Somerset Economic Empowerment Zone
The MSME Unit performs complex consultative and technical work in the planning, development, and implementation of business development programs.
As the first line of defense for existing and new entrepreneurs, the MSME Unit provides business advice requiring extensive knowledge of the Bermuda business environment and acumen in business development and innovation.
The MSME Unit liaises with various Government ministries and departments and external agencies and organizations to represent the interests of local micro, small and medium enterprises inclusive of development of proposals on entrepreneurship and business startup, business sustainability, and business growth matters and the organization of relevant business development workshops for the benefit of the public.
Functions of the MSME Unit Include:
Economic Empowerment Zone Management
An Economic Empowerment Zone is a designated geographical area where special programs are implemented in order to relieve hardship or economic disadvantage or to assist disadvantaged persons to achieve equal opportunity. The BEDC aims to create opportunities for EEZ area residents, as well as property and business owners so they can better access resources that will rejuvenate and regenerate these areas, while not displacing the current area population.
An EEZ is achieved through developing and implementing a system of policies to close the gaps of inequity that exist in certain designated geographical areas in comparison to other areas in Bermuda. The work that takes place in an EEZ is focused on striking a balance between the economic environment (economic equality); the social environment (access to services); the physical environment (high quality design); and the spiritual environment (good quality of life). Currently there are four zones – North East Hamilton, South East Hamilton, Somerset, and St. George’s.
Business advice and support is the core of the work that is performed in each of the EEZs. Because of the various socio-economic issues found in concentration in the three zones, BEDC has developed various incentives and policy tools aimed at assisting businesses to grow and become more sustainable. These currently consist of: EEZ Payroll Tax Concession; EEZ Custom Duty Deferment; and Preferential Rates and Terms on BEDC Financial Products.