Hamilton, Bermuda 28 April 2022 – Are you looking for a way to help your student earn money for the summer? Then, look no further. The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) has launched the 5th Annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Program. Following the success of the last four years of the program with participating students gaining valuable insights and earning money, the program is continuing again this year and will provide students between the ages of 16 and 23 with the resources and support to launch, grow and sustain their own enterprises.
The Summer Student Entrepreneur Program (SSEP) is an eight-week program that will run from Monday, July 4th through Friday, August 26th. The program is designed to develop young Bermudians into the Island’s next wave of entrepreneurs. A maximum of fifteen students will receive quality educational training, a weekly financial stipend and startup funds to get their businesses started. In addition to initial training, BEDC staff will continue to support the students to ensure that they maximize the experience and earn as much as they can during the summer months. To incentivize participation, a competitive element has also been included. The students will compete against each other to earn the most profit. The three participants with the highest profits will earn an additional financial reward.
“The goal of the program is not just to assist participants with earning money over the summer, but also to impart an entrepreneurial mindset that will assist them as they prepare for their futures working in the business arena or as entrepreneurs”, exclaims Deshun Simmons, the Program Manager and Assistant Communication & Development Officer at BEDC.
Businesses that were started last year by students included; luxury soy candles, plant-based skincare, a clothing and lifestyle brand, furniture refurbishment, Japanese-based anime clothing, bubble tea, and more! Graduate of the 2021 SSEP and Overall Highest Profit Winner, Marli Spriggs of BookSpace stated, “I feel BEDC’s SSEP was an ideal starting point to catapult me into a strong entrepreneurship momentum, preparing me for my own future projects.”
“The SSEP is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test,” states Mr. Simmons. He continues, “The program equips them with a week of intensive entrepreneurial training that shifts their mindset to prepare them for the weeks ahead of being their own boss. I am looking forward to the submissions and seeing the creative and diverse ideas our youth propose to execute over their summer holiday.”
With only up to fifteen spots allocated each year, BEDC encourages all students to get their applications in as soon as possible. Applications are being accepted until Sunday, June 5th, by 11:59 pm. Interested students can apply online at www.bedc.bm, contact info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570 for more information.
