Budding entrepreneurs are invited to apply to join the third cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda incubator.Started by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation in February 2018, the incubator is a 12-month programme to support local entrepreneurs and the development of their businesses.The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator is focused on walking participants through an in-depth 12-month development process, to help entrepreneurs get beyond the idea stage and start to bring their businesses to fruition.Eight new businesses launched as the second cohort concluded. Since the start of the programme, 14 new businesses have been launched and 65 jobs created as a result. Eight successful applicants for the third cohort will receive assistance with analysing and refining their business idea, so they can best determine if it will work in — and beyond — the Bermuda market. Participants are provided with complimentary access to BEDC’s educational courses and programmes; free and subsidised office space; an assigned business development officer and personalised mentoring with industry experts. Successful applicants will also receive access to pro-bono or subsidised services in areas including marketing, accounting, legal support and web development.“The services, support and training that you receive is truly a lifesaver, especially when you are not sure what your next steps should be. I would highly recommend applying,” said Nadia Laws, a member of the second cohort and owner of the Media Maven.Sandra Dill, owner of Edcellerate has expanded her business offerings, now reaching a larger market connecting students with higher education. Drop It Delivery, by Carl Vincent and Leanne Evans, is taking over the grocery delivery business, swiftly becoming leaders in this space. Lakeisha Wolfe is making waves in the disability sector with her business, A New Life, providing additional opportunities and services for the disabled community.Arianna Hodgson, owner of Pink Onion, continues to develop a line of healthy smoothie cubes for adults and toddlers. Fiona Douglas is helping to educate, support and connect families with care information and support through her business, Care Connect. Aye Yo Bermuda — a local focused “Yelp”-type App created by Marquis Caines is steadily trending throughout the island and has grown to include branded merchandise highlighting Bermuda’s signature Gombey. Kim Caisey’s K.I.M.’s List, is an online resource for parents that is growing into a top resource for all things child related.“The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator has been more than a success. I have enjoyed working alongside my colleagues to assist these entrepreneurs grow their businesses,” said Jamillah Lodge, director of communication and development at BEDC. Carl Vincent, owner of Drop It Delivery, said: “The support and information you receive is invaluable. Applying was one of the best business decisions we could have made, and we are extremely grateful to have had our start in the programme!”The third cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator will start on February 1, 2020.• Applications are available online at www.bedc.bm, and for pick-up at the BEDC’s office in Sofia House, located at #48 Church Street, Hamilton. Applications will close on Friday January 10, 2020. Interviews of shortlisted applicants will take place during the week of January 13, 2020