The global spotlight will be on Bermuda as the Rise & Scale: Bermuda Business Accelerator Pitch Forum takes center stage streaming live to a worldwide audience from the HSBC Bank Bermuda Harbourview Centre at 7 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

This event celebrates the achievements of nearly 20 dynamic entrepreneurs who participated in the intensive five-week accelerator program, designed to foster innovation and support underrepresented founders, including women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

“Bermuda’s entrepreneurs are showing the world the power of inclusive innovation,” said the Hon. Minister Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. “Through Rise & Scale, we are not only breaking down barriers but actively building pathways to economic growth that are resilient, equitable, and transformative. These founders are proof that with vision and support, Bermuda can lead by example, setting a standard for inclusive entrepreneurship across small island states and beyond.”

Organized through the Building Back Equal initiative and an effort to accelerate gender equality and women's empowerment in Bermuda, the Rise & Scale program was made possible with support from the Government of Bermuda, Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), United Nations Development Programme Jamaica Multi-Country Office (UNDP), UN Women, and Founder Institute. 

"We are fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that leaves no one behind," said Jamaro Marville, Programme Analyst at UNDP. "The success of these founders will pave the way for other Small Island Developing States to implement similar solutions."

Attendees will hear from notable female founders on a panel including Lara Acosta, Regina Gwynn, and Esosa Ighodaro, who will share their experiences and insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and equity. Lara Acosta is one of LinkedIn’s top 100 creators worldwide and was named #1 female creator worldwide on LinkedIn in 2023 and both Regina Gwynn and Esosa Ighodaro are Co-Founders of Black Women Talk Tech a group championing black women in tech and entrepreneurship.

Following the panel, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to an esteemed audience of investors and international partners, showcasing Bermuda's emerging role as a hub for impactful and inclusive business growth. 

Participants in the program include:

Joann Adams, Tea Bar

Aderonke Bademosi Wilson, ABWilson Consulting

Maryem Biadillah, The Bermudaful Centre for Mindfulness

Razia Billoo, aRDee

Rickeisha Burgess, Duch Pops Bermuda

Courtney Clay, Courtney Clay Studio

Anderica Gilbert, Bermuda Dental Studio

Joyce Hayward, ReJoyce Experiences

Antonia Holder, DigiRoo Inc.

Donyae Hollis, D-LUX

Shaneeka Hollis, Butterfly Crochet & Crafts

Sherrielynn Lilley, Pneuma Counseling and Consulting

Nikia Manders, Bermuda Dance Academy

Mariana Parks, Hanna Health

Zayne Sinclair, Sinclair’s Seed Sowing

Kelly Smith, KANS

Tricia Warner, Law4Teens

Kristin White, Long Story Short

Shari Young, Ida's Essentials

The event promises an evening of networking, inspiration, and innovation. Please RSVP to join the stream live and be a part of Bermuda’s entrepreneurial transformation:
https://fi.co/startupwebinar/18212