There are still things that Government could be doing to smooth the way for small-time entrepreneurs who set themselves up in business, according to cafe operator Colleen Bean.

That said, one year on from taking the plunge by opening up BeanZ Cafe in Hamilton Parish, Ms Bean is looking ahead to a second busy year.

And she intends to ultimately fulfil her dream of setting up a hair salon business.

Shortly after opening her cafe next to the Hamilton Parish Workman's Club at the top of The Crawl, Ms Bean was visited by Premier Ewart Brown who offered praise and support to her as an example of a Bermudian with a go-getting attitude.

Having survived her first full year in business, Ms Bean has now offered an insight into the trials of being a newly established small business operator and the rough aspects that could be made smoother she feels, if Government was to alter some regulations.

Having to pay social insurance and business taxes from day one is the thing she would most like to see altered for the sake of other Bermudians who would set up their own business if they knew there was not such a hurdle to clear during their first 12 months.

"I don't have a problem with the concept of having to pay social insurance and taxes to the Government, because I know it is helping my country and my people," said single-mother Ms Bean.

"But I have to say Government could help people in their first year in business (by not making them subject to social insurance and taxes). I set up business to pay the bills I already had, and I don't think small businesses should be slapped with these payments within their first year."

Instead, she would like to see a year's grace for new small businesses in order that they can get themselves established and, after 12 months, feel confident enough to carry on and start paying their full requirement of social insurance and taxes to Government.

"That way it gives the person the option to see how they go for the first year," she said.

BeanZ Cafe specialises in short-order, traditional Bermudian fayre such as cheeseburgers, peas'n'rice, fish sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, shrimps and nuggets.

Friends and strangers have helped make the cafe a success, particularly in the early days with offers of food stock for her business. Likewise, regular customers — and she makes particular mention of the Burgess family — have ensured her business has grown.

She even has customers who travel halfway across the Island to buy from her because of the quality of the meals and takeaways the cafe offers.

At times it hasn't been easy. Finding Bermudians to work, and stay, at the cafe has been a challenge, and she has noticed a difference in attitude and commitment from a foreign-born worker compared to some of the Bermudians she has seen come and go.

But that said, she has also been grateful for the genuine support she has received from 'her team' of Michelle Wayne, Erskine Trott, 'Weeksy' and her younger sister Lisa, as well as Alan Smith the president of the workman's club.

Sometimes the cafe hours have been long — even until 4 a.m. when a function has been held at the social club. Now and again the cafe is closed for a day or two while Ms Bean "goes into her cocoon and remerges as a butterfly ready to go again".

A year on, and now planning some kind of "giving back to the community" celebration in July to thank the people who have shown her their support over the past year — including the Premier — Ms Bean has a message for others who might be considering setting up in business.

"I would say 'try it'. It can be tough and whether you succeed or not you can at least say you have given it a try. Keep pressing on. I am going to keep on. If it doesn't work out then try something else, but just do it," she said.

She has proven herself by surviving the tourism "off season".

Another year of cafe business may be all that is needed before Ms Bean can realise her ambition of opening a hair salon. Until then she will continue with BeanZ Cafe, selling to regular customers and offering to provide simple food spreads such a nuggets for schools and children's parties.

She is also on the look-out for a short-order cook to join her team, either part-time or full time this summer.

Ms Bean can be contacted on 735-0561 or 516-0561.