Hamilton, Bermuda, 27 October 2023 – After an electrifying main competition event on September 28 and an engaging public voting period spanning two weeks, the Global Atlantic Re foundation, in collaboration with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is thrilled to announce Gavin Carter of Gavin’s Butter as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Gavin is the recipient of a $25,000 grant that will empower him to elevate his business to new heights.
Gavin had this to say in response to receiving the award, “We are overjoyed to receive this well-deserved recognition. This award serves as a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication that the Gavin’s Butter team has put into creating such a remarkable product. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Global Atlantic Re and the BEDC for hosting such an incredible event that has provided a platform for us to showcase Gavin’s Butter. It has been an honor to participate and be recognized among other extremely talented entrepreneurs.”
Darryl Herrick, President, Global Atlantic Re, said “We want to congratulate Gavin, and we are excited to help his business continue to grow and to thrive on island. The significant voting participation for the People’s Choice Award is a tangible example of how the competition truly resonates with all Bermudians. At Global Atlantic, we are sincerely grateful to all the entrepreneurs that participated and everyone who cast their vote, and we are already eagerly anticipating the next pitch event in 2025.”
This People’s Choice Award is part of a larger, multi-year collaboration between BEDC and the Global Atlantic Re foundation. Together, these organizations have pledged to inject up to $150,000 every other year into Bermuda’s small business ecosystem through capital grants associated with the “Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition.”
The pitch competition serves as an impactful platform for entrepreneurs to present their ideas and vie for business support, not only financially but also through mentoring and building connections. The competition saw Tia Crockwell of OnSight Optometry, Kisha Tyrrell of Enzuri Beauty & Wellness and Davida O’Brien of Vida Fusions win the top three prizes, as well as Sabriuna Wilkinson of Nurture Laiche receive the youth entrepreneur award. Each winner was awarded a $25,000 grant to help elevate their business endeavors.
Both BEDC and the Global Atlantic Re foundation are committed to nurturing Bermuda’s entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging all local entrepreneurs to engage with this transformative program in the future.
For those inspired by this year’s success stories, applications for the next “Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition” will open in early 2025. Stay tuned for announcements and get ready to make your business dreams a reality.
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.