Bermuda’s business community and entrepreneurs will again be given an array of opportunities to engage in America’s Cup economic activity.

So far, opportunities arising from AC-related events have included Foil Fest in June 2016 and the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in October 2015. Vendors, business owners and entrepreneurs came forward to provide services to the spectators and to support the set-up of the event infrastructure.

This does not include the myriad opportunities that have arisen from the Cross Island infill, building of team bases, rental of accommodation by team members, ongoing support services for teams, etc.

Denise Riviere, a local business owner and organisational development consultant, has been engaged by America’s Cup Bermuda to lead a dedicated working group to connect local business opportunities with service providers, with the support of other local business advocates such as Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

A formal process will be established for local businesses that want to engage in the opportunities arising.

During the past 15 years Ms Riviere has helped clients with initiatives such as strategic planning, team development, culture development, business process improvement and more.

“The experience Denise brings and her connection to the local business community will ensure that any local business with the capacity and willingness to engage this year with the economic benefits of America’s Cup 2017, will do so,” said Michael Winfield, the America’s Cup Bermuda chief executive officer.

“We welcome Denise for her understanding of what needs to be done and her passion and dedication to achieving it to a high-quality standard.”

Ms Riviere is no stranger to the world of sailing. Her work and love for youth development led her to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation in 2009 when she became a board member, and in seeing the positive impact the programme had on Bermuda’s youth, agreed to take on the position of chief executive officer from 2011 to 2014.

She was also an active ACBDA board member in 2015.

“One of the key reasons we can look forward to America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017 is the economic benefit we’ll notice in so many different ways,” Ms Riviere said.

“When small and medium-sized local businesses do well, we all benefit with more jobs, more overtime hours, more spending, and more gratuities.

“This is our big chance to get it right for some future benefit and by working together we can meet, and exceed the challenge.”