BEDC’s 2021 GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK KICKS OFF WITH THE ROCKET PITCH COMPETITION
Hamilton, Bermuda 12 November 2021 – The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is gearing up for an eventful 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), starting with the Rocket Pitch Competition.
Finalists of the 14th annual Rocket Pitch Competition pitched their businesses before panels of judges on Tuesday, November 9th for a chance at winning a share of $42k in cash and services. The Competition, which this year, was sponsored by the BEDC, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Horizon Communications, the Economic Development Department, Arch Capital Group, and Bacardi Limited, has helped to launch or expand over 40 businesses.
Seventeen budding entrepreneurs pitched their ideas under the stars at Bacardi Ltd. Attendees and judges were presented with business ideas ranging from a babysitting app to jewelry utilizing lionfish fins. Hopeful entrepreneurs pitched in six categories including Pitch Pink – tourism focused solutions, Pitch Tech – technology focused, Pitch Town – businesses with the local community in mind, Pitch Green – an eco- friendly solution, Youth Pitch – for students under the age of 18 and Pitch Food & Bev – the Bacardi sponsored category that focused on business ideas that contribute to the Food & Beverage industry.
First place and second place winners were chosen for each category with each finalists walking away with a cash prize – 1st Place: $5,000 & 2nd Place $2,000 – and a startup services package, sponsored by local businesses.
This year’s services package included: Business coaching by Transform Bermuda, marketing consultation from Inspired Bermuda, financial books and counseling services by Fusion 4 Business, and access to a wide variety of membership tiers from LeadxDesign’s digital suite.
The winners of the 2021 Rocket Pitch by category, included:
Youth Pitch: Sponsored by Horizon Communications
1st Place winner: BookSpace – a business focused on thoughtful selections of grappling educational books designed for all ages to continually learn and grow by Marli Spriggs.
2nd Place winner: Pressure ‘til We Perish – a clothing and lifestyle brand built on the values of self-determination and self- drive by Vincent Darrell
Pitch Tech: Sponsored by the Economic Development Department
1st Place winner: Playdate – an app that allows parents to find the perfect babysitter for their child by Quinn Outerbridge
2nd Place winner: GPS Ltd. (General Project System) – an on-call, domestic service market platform that allows individuals to sell their skills and services by Dallas Scott, Enrico Escolastica and DonIra Philip Rodriguez
Pitch Pink: Sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority
1st Place winner: Rose of Sharon – a premier wedding and event planning business by Claire-Anne Raynor
2nd Place winner: Pink Sands Sanctuary – a sea turtle rehabilitation center closer to the turtle’s natural habit by Cassandra Roberts
Pitch Green
1st Place winner: Sew Brew – an eco-friendly and sustainable ring business utilizing lionfish fins by Abby Brewer
2nd Place winner: Bermuda Agricultural Group Heritage Collective (BAGH): a collective that aims to serve the public through agricultural and horticultural education, recreation, conservation, and research by Dr. Susann Smith
Pitch Town
1st Place winner: Uplift – a one stop shop for premium CBD Hemp products in Bermuda by Michel’le Cannonier and Kalyn Cannonier
2nd Place winner: GoodJob – a youth focused workforce training program, financial empowerment program and seamless payment processor by Gavin Smith, Aruna Dismont and Deidra-Lee Bean.
Pitch Food & Beverage: Sponsored by Bacardi Limited
1st Place winner: Gavin’s Butter – a gourmet garlic butter offering 17 assorted flavors by Gavin Carter
2nd Place winner: The Greenhouse Bermuda – is a wholesale business providing Bermuda with delicious, organic food and beverages that are free from steroids, refined sugars, non-GMO and no artificial ingredients by Craig Smith
People’s Choice Award: Sponsored by Hamilton Princess & Cosmic
The People’s Choice award was chosen via a live poll where a total of 413 people voted including viewers in attendance, and those watching the live stream. This award was sponsored in part by Hamilton Princess and Cosmic with the winner taking home a champagne brunch for two at Crown & Anchor and a logo design and marketing package. Gavin Carter of Gavin’s Butter was the crowd favorite receiving 29% of the vote and taking home the coveted prize.
There are several other exciting events scheduled for the rest of the week. The BEDC Business Awards will take place on Saturday, November 13th starting at 6pm; the Women Entrepreneurship Day Brunch will take place on Sunday, November 14th at 11:30 am in preparation for the annual Conference taking place on Friday, November 19th starting at 9 am. Rounding out the week our Partners at the Economic Development Department will host the TechAwards and Reverse Pitch. For more information about Global Entrepreneurship Week visit www.gew.bm, email info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570.
About BEDC
Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is Bermuda’s premier source of free confidential business advice for entrepreneurs. The mission is to serve Bermuda’s local business community with the highest degree of professionalism by providing, authoritative business advice; counsel and loan guarantee support. Bermuda Business Starts Here! For more information visit www.bedc.bm.
About GEW:
During one week in November the world spotlights how young people’s ideas can contribute to global economic development. GEW Global, which started in 2008 has grown to include Host Committees in over 180 countries. With the help of governments and non-government organizations, Host Countries coordinate events ranging from invention competitions to local entrepreneurship summits designed to stimulate creative solutions, jumpstart innovation and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, especially among young people. Formed in 2008 the Bermuda Host Committee is made up of the BEDC, Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative of Bermuda (registered charity no. 616) and the Economic Development Department. The Committee acts with the common goal of inspiring the new generation of entrepreneurs and creative thinkers
