Entrepreneurs are being encouraged to start up in business and put their skills to good use thanks to a new market opening in Hamilton next month.

The Victoria Market will be officially launched in the parking lot opposite People's Pharmacy in Victoria Street on Saturday October 6 and will run every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. until the end of January.

The market, which was established by organisers Kelli Thompson and Beverly Harvey with the help of Roseclare Thompson and Rodericka Pitcher, identified the need to create a venue where Bermudian traders could exhibit their talent and they applied to the Lodge and its members to use the private parking area on Union Street.

Kelli Thompson said the market would contribute greatly to the culture and development of the local community and add something new to the Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) where it is located.

"Our goal is to develop an open and friendly atmosphere, allowing fellow Bermudians to empower themselves and help one another," she said.

"The Victoria Market will bring street vendors together in one location, creating a positive and entertaining experience for the local community.

"We tested it to see what the take up would be like and it worked - we had a great vendor response in the beginning and we had a main group of vendors that came every week to the summer market that we ran."

Among the exhibitors will be Nature Stones, handcrafted jewellery designs by Roseclare and Kelli Thompson, It's a Wrap, which specialises in handcrafted greeting cards by Beverly Harvey, The Art Nook, local Bermudian paintings by Mrs. Webb, Averco, and Generation, selling pillow bags and the like.

Laquita (Pearley) Williams will also be doing handcrafted jewellery made out of Bermuda cedar wood, coconuts and semi-precious stones, while the Turks & Caicos Bath and Salt Company by Jennifer Brimmer, ladies hats from Marjorie Holdipp, Mr. Bean's vegetable stall and bath and facial products will be on show as well.

To start with there will be between eight to 15 stalls, with the capacity to increase over the Christmas period, with the intention to start up a summer market from the end of March until June/July time.

A children's craft area where they can learn how to make craft products is also planned in the future.

Kelli Thompson said all-comers are welcome to the market as they try to encourage trade across the board, including local craft, plant, resale and food sellers at the cost of $20 per pitch. Sellers license/permits and Health Certificates for food product sellers are also required.

"We are not just looking for locally-made products - we are trying to help entrepreneurs who are looking for a venue to sell their products," she said.

"We have had quite a bit of interest right up until we closed down for the summer.

"The store next door closes down on Saturday so it gives us an opportunity to allow clothing vendors to sell their products as well because they are not in direct competition."

And she is hoping the market will see the benefits of operating in the EEZ, such as support from other businesses in the area.

"The Uptown Market Association, the People's Pharmacy and Belco have all helped out with sponsorship already, but we would like some further sponsorship if anyone out there is interested in helping us," she said.

"Due to the fact that it is an Economic Empowerment Zone, we would love to see some interest from others who are promoting the zone.

"Now, we would just love to see it grow to its full potential from what is already a great range of products on show.

"It is unique because it gives the average Bermudian and small entrepreneur that opportunity to start up in business and it should be supported and it is something that we have taken on ourselves and we fully intend to continue in that way."

Anyone interested in getting involved in the market or wants to find out more can contact Kelli Thompson at 504 4448 or email kellit@transact.bm