Entrepreneurs have an amazing ability to identify underserved markets and create innovative solutions to satisfy those needs. A common obstacle facing businesses that continue to grow after surviving the start-up phase is the challenge of scaling whilst continuing to grow revenues*. In Bermuda, there has been a lack of specialized educational resources to help entrepreneurs transition from working in their businesses to working on growing their businesses. To this end, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is pleased to support the launch of Interise’s Streetwise ‘MBA”™, an intensive course that guides business owners through the development of a Growth Action Plan. Any entrepreneur with three years’ experience and at least one employee this course should be strongly considered for the following reasons:

Subsidised pilot: Thanks to the kind support of local banks, advisory firms and grantmaking foundations, this course, which can cost between $20,000-$30,000 in the US, is being offered this year at an introductory rate of $1,000. The course is 7 months long with classes held twice a month for 3 hours each.

Learning format: Streetwise ‘MBA’™’s curriculum combines tried solutions with group learning and networking sessions. At business school the case studies are about companies that usually have little to no bearing on the Bermuda market with all its idiosyncrasies. Program participants will evaluate each other’s successes and failures, as the Bermuda-based instructors will guide them through a curriculum that culminates in the preparation of their own Growth Action Plan.

Access to experts: Throughout the course, industry experts will be invited to share practical perspectives and industry best practice. The selection of experts will be made based on the topic being discussed and the interests and needs of the participants in the cohort.

As a business operator, it is easy to get trapped in a cycle of constantly putting out operational fires or working IN the business. This program will provide the opportunity to step back, think strategically and work ON the business. This course will provide the tools to develop a strategic growth plan that will guide a business for the years to come.

Spaces are limited, so submit your application now to reserve your place.

Interested? There will be an info session on October 28th at 6PM. To RSVP, contact Bermuda College at 236-9000 ext. 4119 or padmin@college.bm. For more on this transitional struggle, read John Hamm’s Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Scale in the Harvard Business Review online.

Nick Kempe is the chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation