First cohort of 2024 will include the opportunity for three entrepreneurs seeking to develop or grow businesses in Bermuda’s Blue Economy to join the award-winning programme in 2024.

In an early indication of how Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan will contribute to the sustainable growth of the island’s ocean economy, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) and Ignite Bermuda are collaborating on a pilot initiative to support Bermuda’s future Blue Economy business leaders. The pilot will officially launch in the first quarter of 2024 when the Ignite Accelerator Programme will begin accepting applications for its first cohort of the new year.

Ignite Bermuda is an entrepreneurial development programme created to support local innovators in growing and scaling up their businesses and organisations. At the core of its mission are three components: 

• An entrepreneurship curriculum;

• A local coaching and mentoring network and,

• The co-creation of a formalised youth-focused curriculum alongside community partners. 

Since 2019, the centrepiece of Ignite’s activities–which has produced over 300 graduates–is the Ignite Accelerator Programme. This free, five-month programme is open to all local entrepreneurs and community leaders, offering tangible career and business development opportunities.

BOPP is collaborating with Ignite Bermuda to encourage the participation of entrepreneurs who are specifically looking to build or grow businesses in the blue economy. The term “blue economy” refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and increased jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Bermuda’s Blue Economy Strategy aims to facilitate sustainable fisheries, expand sustainable marine tourism, accelerate the clean energy transition, and increase blue investment and blue technologies on the island. 

“We are looking to support the local community and support diversification within the economy,” said Cheryl-Ann Mapp, BOPP’s Blue Economy Specialist. “We see this partnership with Ignite as a way to build the pipeline of blue economy business opportunities.” 

Blue entrepreneurs include those individuals seeking to start or grow businesses that:

• Tackle challenges facing the ocean, including those resulting from climate change.

• Promote the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs.

• Support ocean health and protection.

Ignite will select three blue entrepreneur applications to participate in the programme. Selected individuals will also have the opportunity to be mentored by successful entrepreneurs. 

“The collaboration between the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme and Ignite Bermuda is an early win for Bermuda’s Blue Economy Strategy. The programme is a chance to support traditional sustainable livelihoods based on Bermuda’s invaluable ocean,” said Hon. Minister Walter Roban, Deputy Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Home Affairs.

Sean Reel, Executive Director, said,“It is an honour for Ignite to have been selected as a partner on this key initiative for Bermuda. New jobs and opportunities are vital to the future as is a sustainable environment. “

“We are delighted to collaborate with Ignite on this pilot programme,” Cheryl-Ann Mapp said. “Ignite produces a very high calibre of entrepreneurs, and we are excited to see what new innovations for Bermuda’s Blue Economy they come up with.” 

Applications for the Ignite Accelerator Programme open online on January 15th, with a February 2nd deadline. Those interested in applying can learn more at www.ignitebermuda.com. In addition, Ignite will host an open house on January 24th at 5:30 pm to provide an opportunity for those interested in the programme to ask questions. Please RSVP to hello@ignitebermuda.com.