An enthusiastic response to the launch of Bermuda’s first entrepreneurial accelerator programme has prompted organisers Ignite Bermuda to move the application deadline up by two weeks.

Aspiring entrepreneurs must now apply online at www.ignitebermuda.com before close of business on Wednesday, April 10 in order to be considered for inclusion in the programme’s first cohort beginning in May.

Already, more than 100 hopefuls have applied for the 15 places in the six-month initiative.

Due to the response, Ignite says up to 40 additional places will be offered to individuals who can benefit from a “light” version of the programme.

This additional group will be supported through lunch-and-learns and workshops over the same six-month period, Ignite says.

Individuals who are unsuccessful in joining the limited first cohort will be eligible to re-apply later in the year for the next cohort of 50, which will kick off in January 2020.

Ignite says applications have been received from a broad cross-section of the community and include a variety of ideas across all sectors. Applicants include people with new ideas for start-ups as well as small business owners looking to scale and grow in markets outside Bermuda.

“The response to our launch and the number of applications have far exceeded our expectations,” says Neil Patterson, a director of Bermuda Accelerator Ltd and chairman of KPMG in Bermuda.

“We couldn’t have wished for a better start. The response really has been terrific.”

Don Mackenzie, a director of BAL and chairman and owner of New Venture Holdings, said: “We are thrilled with the response. This initial cohort, and the addition of running a light version of the programme, ensures we are responding to the need for advice and support in the local start-up business community.

“With the quality and variety of applicants we are seeing already, we can’t wait to see how this will develop. We started Ignite with the premise that there was a demand in the community for providing more support to small businesses and the initial response appears to validate this.”

The Ignite programme is designed to enhance the island’s ecosystem for start-ups and small businesses by providing entrepreneurs with access to a formalised network of mentors and advisers, and developing an investor network to match up with start-ups.

A two-day boot camp on May 6 and 7 will kick off the first cohort, which features a customised-for-Bermuda curriculum designed to enhance an entrepreneur’s business skills.

Organisers say the programme will teach entrepreneurs about cultivating the right mindset and the most effective behaviours to unlock their entrepreneurial potential.

Cofounded by KPMG and New Venture Holdings, Ignite will be housed in the 4,000-square-foot Ignite Bermuda Hub Space in the Argus Building on Wesley Street, Hamilton, which has been donated by Argus.

Ignite will accept applications from entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, from idea stage to profitable enterprise.

Ignite also announced that it will start a search shortly for a suitably qualified Bermudian to act as manager – enabler for the hub space.

• For more information, visit www.ignitebermuda.com