Enterprising summer students are being offered a $3,000 loan in an effort to help them start up their own business.

Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation general manager William Spriggs said the Student Entrepreneurship Programme exposes students to vital business skills and provides a real-world practice ground.

The programme was adapted from a Canadian initiative in the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development.

Mr. Spriggs said: "The idea was generated by Minister Terry Lister when he came across a similar programme in Canada. With their permission, we created something in Bermuda in light of our target market.

"It's really needed -- more and more large companies are looking for entrepreneurial employees.'' Those kinds of employees are "self-starters and require less supervision'', said Mr. Spriggs.

He explained entrepreneurial experience provides valuable lessons such as the importance of customer service, quality work and the value of a dollar.

"Students will learn how to market themselves and understand the mechanics of the money cycle -- cash flow.'' he added.

Mr. Spriggs said there is a market for youth-run computer businesses in regard to programme instruction.

"Some type of personal computer service, problem solving, teaching adults the basic computer programmes. Other examples (of start-up businesses) are things like home shopping for seniors, Internet-related business, auto mechanic, baby-sitting/day camps, desktop publishing or event and party planning.'' But it takes a special kind of person to be an entrepreneur, said Mr. Spriggs, explaining the bold risk is not for everyone.

"We're talking about the kids who recognise the value right away. They say `I love doing that and I can make a little money from it'. They mean what they say and say what they mean.'' Mr. Spriggs said that before joining the programme, students should have a track record of dependability, leadership and ambition as well as familiarity with risk.

"They should have a good attitude and a good people personality -- and be a fairly good communicator,'' he said.

"Even if someone doesn't take off right away, all they really need is a will to succeed.

"We (BSBDC) pride ourselves on having the staff and skills to make this happen and the Minister is continually feeding us with advice and feedback to help us do our job better.

"I would be happy for 20 to 25 kids to join the programme -- if it's a little less, that's fine -- because it's about using our successes as examples for future years.

"Once people see another person doing it, that breaks down the fear barrier.

"I think it's a great programme and I wish it was available when I was coming up. Today's students can understand they don't have to go it alone.

"They will be surprised at how willing professionals are with their money and time.'' He said the hurdles and challenges for this generation's students are much lower and the opportunity is there.

"There's no reason why a kid at 16 years old now, can't be close to a millionaire when they're 40.'' Berkeley student Tamesha Hodgson is among the first students to take advantage of the $3,000 start-up boost.

"People fail to realise if something like this comes along, you should grab it,'' she said.

"I really don't see a lot of people offering students their own business or a loan.'' Tamesha, 16, is applying for a loan to record compact discs but has other business interests including photography and modelling.

Interested parties can contact the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation for guidelines, application and layout details, at 292-5570.