The Accelerator Centre and Bermuda Economic Development Corporation Partner to Expand Enterprise Bermuda Incubator

Media Release

July 15, 2022 – The Accelerator Centre (AC) and Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) are pleased to announce their partnership and the launch of the newly expanded Enterprise Bermuda (E.B.). E.B. launched in February 2018 as a free of charge twelve-month incubation program to help Bermuda’s start-ups get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition. After the program’s initial success, BEDC sought to enhance the offering through expanded programming and physical office space. The newly expanded programming was created through the AC’s global program licensing platform, AC:Hubs, and leverages the organization’s globally recognized programming and mentorship model. Erica Smith, BEDC Executive Director, said,

“We are absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to partner with the Accelerator Centre. BEDC’s mantra is to continue to improve its offerings in order to grow Bermuda’s entrepreneurial eco-system and so collaborating with the A.C. enables us to do this with the E.B.I. Access to their expertise helps us provide new opportunities to Bermuda’s entrepreneurs."

As part of the program, the new companies will receive access to the revamped curriculum, BEDC’s entrepreneurial educational courses and programs; free and subsidized office space; an assigned Business Development Officer; and personalized mentoring with industry experts. In addition, successful applicants will receive access to pro-bono or subsidized services in marketing accounting, legal support, web development, and more; and an international entrepreneurial experience will be offered to a start-up that shines during the 12-month immersion program. The expanded E.B. program opened applications from interested founders in May and welcomed 33 startups into the program and new facilities. This week, the AC team visited BEDC to celebrate E.B.I.’s successful launch and speak with the community about the new, expanded programming.

“Through this new program, BEDC has taken the best of our globally recognized program and combined it with local supports to create something truly unique," says AC CEO, Jay Krishnan. “BEDC’s program reflects the diversity and priorities of Bermudian business owners, and this innovative program will deepen their impact as a key economic driver. We are looking forward to working with the BEDC and Bermudian business owners as they build thriving business with big impact.”

“Helping business owners thrive is why the Accelerator Centre exists,” says AC Director of Programs and Client Experience, Leanne Henderson. “Sharing our best practices with innovation hubs across the globe is a key part of our strategy for fostering global economic impact. We are thrilled to support BEDC as they launch their new programming in support of small businesses across Bermuda.”

About the AC

At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. The AC is ranked Canada’s #1 private business accelerator and is among the top five such organizations globally. We offer an extensive selection of customizable opportunities for startups across Canada—allowing founders to rapidly bring their innovation to life. We work with our global partners to bolster the innovation ecosystem in Waterloo and beyond.

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 finance support. Bermuda Business Starts Here! For more information visit www.bedc.bm.

Contact

Tabatha Laverty
Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]