The first cohort of students has graduated from a new Bermuda College programme aimed at boosting business skills.

Eighteen small business owners and entrepreneurs were awarded certificates for successfully completing the Streetwise MBA programme, first started by Boston University.

“It was one of the best learning opportunities I’ve ever had,” said Elaine Butterfield, executive director of The Centre on Philanthropy. “It wasn’t easy, but I am so glad I did it.”

Ms Butterfield, the only student representative of a non-profit organisation, said the subject matter was very good, offering concise, core subjects, live presenters and an opportunity to share experiences about running small businesses.

The graduate speaker would recommend the programme to anyone looking to run a small business profitably and effectively.

Jahnika Alves, owner of Clear Choice Doors, Windows & Glass, said the programme taught her the importance of making time outside of normal business hours to work on the business.

And Doyle Butterfield, director of Oxford Learning, said the “really interesting” programme gave him a different perspective and an opportunity to network with a “group of amazing individuals”.

Philip Butterfield, the director of the Bank of Butterfield Foundation, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Mr Butterfield said the programme was brought to Bermuda after the Bank of Butterfield Foundation committee became concerned that they were not dealing with the root issues that were affecting people in the community.

After hiring Boston-based company Rootcause, which indicated that too few Bermudians were participating equitably and profitably in the economy for a variety of reasons, the committee identified the Streetwise MBA programme to support young entrepreneurs more effectively.

They sponsored the programme, provided by non-profit organisation Interise, with funding from HSBC, the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Economic Development Corporation and the Bermuda College.

Representatives of Interise also attended the awards presentation.

“Bermuda is our first international partner, and as a non-profit that is looking to scale our mission globally, we’re delighted to bring out curriculum to such a diverse group of businesses,” said Interise programme director Bernard Johnson.

Programme manager Tanya Musumhi added: “We are delighted to be part of the mission to create a resilient community through thriving small businesses.”

The graduates were Herbie Alves, Jahnika Alves, Natalie Bennett, Doyle Butterfield, Elaine Butterfield, Gina Cardell-Naranjo, Felicia DeRoza, Mary Jo Farrow, Alfonso Harris, Roseann Harris, Deryn Higgins, Stacy Dill, Kareem Johnson, Stuart McIntosh, Charles O’Brien, Kenneth Pemberton, Dwain Smith and Randy Spence.

David Hill, president of Bermuda Business Coach and Small Business Advisors, helped coach some of the group sessions.

“The key thing was to take a group of small business people who have all the best intentions to be successful and giving them the tools to really be successful.”

Bermuda College director of Professional and Career Education Tawana Flood said she was very proud of the students.

She added that the programme was so successful than an information session for a second cohort will be held in September.

• For more information contact Bermuda College recruitment officer Thaao Dill on 236-9000.