Global Atlantic and BEDC Reveal Finalists for Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition
Global Atlantic Financial Group and the Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) announced eight finalists for the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition, scheduled for November 21st at Hamilton Princess Hotel. From 65 initial applications, eight entrepreneurs will compete for five $25,000 prizes. The competition includes three youth finalists (The Playroom, Navigate, and Flow by Nico) and five adult finalists (PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar, and Sade Milan Skin). The $125,000 small business accelerator grant program aims to strengthen Bermuda's business landscape and stimulate the local economy.
Global Atlantic Financial Group e il Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) hanno annunciato otto finalisti per il Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition, in programma il 21 novembre all'Hamilton Princess Hotel. Da 65 candidature iniziali, otto imprenditori si sfideranno per cinque premi da $25.000. La competizione include tre finalisti giovani (The Playroom, Navigate e Flow di Nico) e cinque finalisti adulti (PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar e Sade Milan Skin). Il programma di sovvenzione per l'accelerazione delle piccole imprese, del valore di $125.000, mira a rafforzare il panorama imprenditoriale delle Bermuda e a stimolare l'economia locale.
Global Atlantic Financial Group y el Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) anunciaron ocho finalistas para la competencia Wave of Opportunity Pitch, programada para el 21 de noviembre en el Hamilton Princess Hotel. De 65 solicitudes iniciales, ocho emprendedores competirán por cinco premios de $25,000. La competencia incluye tres finalistas jóvenes (The Playroom, Navigate y Flow de Nico) y cinco finalistas adultos (PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar y Sade Milan Skin). El programa de subvenciones para la aceleración de pequeñas empresas de $125,000 tiene como objetivo fortalecer el panorama empresarial de Bermudas y estimular la economía local.
글로벌 애틀란틱 금융 그룹과 버뮤다 경제 개발 (BEDC)가 11월 21일 해밀턴 프린세스 호텔에서 열리는 기회 파도 피치 대회의 8명의 결선 진출자를 발표했습니다. 65개의 초기 지원서 중 8명의 기업가가 25,000달러의 상금 5개를 놓고 경쟁하게 됩니다. 이번 대회에는 3명의 청소년 결선 진출자(The Playroom, Navigate, Flow by Nico)와 5명의 성인 결선 진출자(PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar, Sade Milan Skin)가 포함되어 있습니다. 125,000달러 규모의 소기업 지원 프로그램은 버뮤다의 비즈니스 환경을 강화하고 지역 경제를 자극하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
Global Atlantic Financial Group et le Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) ont annoncé huit finalistes pour le concours Wave of Opportunity Pitch, prévu le 21 novembre à l'Hamilton Princess Hotel. Parmi 65 candidatures initiales, huit entrepreneurs concourront pour cinq prix de 25 000 $. La compétition comprend trois finalistes jeunes (The Playroom, Navigate et Flow de Nico) et cinq finalistes adultes (PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar et Sade Milan Skin). Le programme de subventions d'accélération des petites entreprises de 125 000 $ vise à renforcer le paysage commercial des Bermudes et à stimuler l'économie locale.
Global Atlantic Financial Group und die Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) haben acht Finalisten für den Wave of Opportunity Pitch Wettbewerb bekanntgegeben, der am 21. November im Hamilton Princess Hotel stattfindet. Aus 65 ursprünglichen Bewerbungen werden acht Unternehmer um fünf Preise in Höhe von 25.000 Dollar konkurrieren. Der Wettbewerb umfasst drei jugendliche Finalisten (The Playroom, Navigate und Flow von Nico) und fünf erwachsene Finalisten (PsyNeu, Sweat Suites Studio, NBK School of Nails, Bermuda Sports Radar und Sade Milan Skin). Das Programm für Kleinunternehmerförderungen in Höhe von 125.000 Dollar zielt darauf ab, die Geschäftsumgebung auf Bermuda zu stärken und die lokale Wirtschaft anzukurbeln.
- Significant financial support with five $25,000 prizes totaling $125,000 in grants
- Strong interest demonstrated with 65 applications received
- Diverse range of business sectors represented among finalists
- None.
November 21st Event is Open to the Public and on Livestream
This year’s competition attracted an impressive 65 applications, which were carefully evaluated and narrowed down to a select group of 25 applicants. This included 5 outstanding candidates in the youth category and 20 exceptional entries from local companies. Following an initial round of preliminary pitches, the field was reduced to five adult finalists and three youth finalists who will go on to compete in the finals.
The Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition will result in five entrepreneurs being awarded up to
- 3 local companies from any industry;
- 1 youth entrepreneur (ages 13-22); and
- 1 People’s Choice Award, where the public will vote for their favorite business.
The three youth finalists are:
- The Playroom – Akilah Acka: An indoor playground and cafe for children ages 6 months to 6 years.
- Navigate – Tre Maxwell: A mobile drone light show service, offering custom LED drone displays.
- Flow by Nico – Nico Bean: Unique acrylic paintings, handcrafted ornaments, and custom-printed notebooks and phone cases.
The five businesses advancing to the finals are:
- PsyNeu – Adriene Berkeley: A mental health practice offering cognitive skill development and emotional wellness services.
- Sweat Suites Studio – Lauren Furbert: Bermuda’s first wellness club offering contrast therapy, infrared saunas, and cold plunges.
- NBK School of Nails – Keely Trott: An internationally accredited nail technician school offering comprehensive hands-on training.
- Bermuda Sports Radar – Jekon Edness: OTT sports media company offering live event coverage, highlights, and profiles for local sports fans.
- Sade Milan Skin – Ashleigh Simons: An all-natural intimate skincare brand focusing on self-care and feminine wellness.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with BEDC for the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition. The caliber of finalists this year is truly impressive, showcasing the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial talent in Bermuda,” said Darryl Herrick, Co-Head of Reinsurance at Global Atlantic and President of Global Atlantic Re. “By providing these grants, we aim to fuel the growth of local businesses and contribute to the island's economic vitality. We look forward to seeing these promising entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and take their ventures to the next level.”
The Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition is a pivotal element of the collaboration between Global Atlantic and BEDC. Together, they are committed to providing a
Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, emphasized the importance of the continued partnership in driving small business success, stating, “We are excited to continue our work with Global Atlantic to provide vital support for Bermuda’s entrepreneurs. These partnerships are essential for helping businesses grow and thrive, contributing to the island’s economy. I’m excited for the finals and look forward to seeing the innovative ideas presented.”
The public is encouraged to register for the November 21st event, where they can engage in the competition and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Registration and livestream details can be found at www.bedc.bm.
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 financial support. Bermuda Business Starts Here! For more information, visit www.bedc.bm.
About Global Atlantic
Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company's performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR's investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR's parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).
Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic) is the marketing name for The Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC and its subsidiaries. The Global Atlantic Re foundation is dedicated to the promotion of economic development, education and environmental sustainability initiatives throughout
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241024963350/en/
For Global Atlantic:
Brian Ruby, 203-682-8268, Brian.Ruby@icrinc.com
Adam Gerber, 203-682-8389, Adam.Gerber@icrinc.com
For BEDC:
Jamillah Lodge, 441-292-5570, jlodge@bedc.bm
Kelsea Williams, 441-292-5570, kwilliams@bedc.bm
Source: Global Atlantic Financial Group
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