Applications are being accepted for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s second annual summer student entrepreneurship programme.

The programme, open to students between the ages of 16 and 25, is designed to develop the island’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

Fourteen students will receive educational training, a weekly financial stipend and start-up funds to get their businesses started.

The eight-week programme will run from July 8 through August 30.

Ray Lambert, director of the micro, small and medium enterprise unit at BEDC, said: “The goal of the programme is not just to assist participants with earning money over the summer, but also to impart an entrepreneurial mindset that will assist them as they prepare for their futures working in the business arena or as entrepreneurs.”

In addition to initial training, the BEDC said it will continue to support the students to ensure that they maximise the experience and earn as much as they can during the summer months.

A competitive element has been added; the top three profit-makers will be given additional financial rewards by the BEDC.

Ten students participated in the pilot programme a year ago.

All gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, and earned money, the BEDC said.

Business start-ups included homemade skin care products, jewellery, food products, tourism experiences, dog-walking/pet-sitting, bird boxes, and general retail.

Yndia Raynor, who graduated from the programme in 2018, owns The Golden Leash dog-walking and pet-sitting service.

She said: “The most I benefited from was learning everything I needed to know to start up and have a successful business.”

Ondreyah Rochester Jr is the MSME officer and programme manager.

She said: “The SSEP programme is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test.

“The programme equips them with a week of intensive entrepreneurial training to shift their mindset to prepare them for the weeks ahead of being their own boss.

“I am looking forward to the submissions and seeing the creative and diverse ideas our youth propose to execute over their summer holiday.”

Applications will be accepted until June 14 online at www.bedc.bm.

• For more information, contact info@bedc.bm or call 292-5570