Entrepreneurial accelerator Ignite is to launch a new Young Adult Entrepreneurial Internship for 20 local young adults next month.

The internship programme aims to provide young adults first-hand entrepreneurial experience with some of Bermuda’s top start-ups, all Ignite graduates.

Successful interns will gain work experience with local entrepreneurial leaders, attend information sessions with the Ignite Team and have the opportunity to work on independent projects in the Ignite Hub with the support of mentors and programme facilitators.

The internship initiative is being funded by HSBC Bank Bermuda Ltd.

Steve Banner, HSBC chief executive officer, said: “We are very proud to invest in this platform to support 20 young adults in Bermuda seeking hands-on experience with local entrepreneurs. As our community continues to respond to a global pandemic we think this is an ideal time to support young, emerging and future entrepreneurs, whose success can contribute to Bermuda’s long term prosperity.”

Ignite said the programme will afford insight into early-stage companies and organisations’ day-to-day activities. All mentor companies have successfully completed Ignite Bermuda’s Accelerator Programme.

Interns will be able to experience “real-world business development through mentorship with their assigned host business or organisation and will conduct an independent project-based activity throughout the programme”, Ignite said.

“One of the most meaningful parts of these placements is the variety of experiences that each intern brings to their mentor company, which will allow them to look at projects from a different perspective”.

Sean Reel, executive director of Ignite, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for all young Bermudians to explore the career of being an entrepreneur or community leader. No educational qualifications are required, and we seek a diverse group of future leaders for this opportunity. The programme includes workshops and work experiences within Bermuda’s top start-up companies and Not for Profits.”

The programme will be co-managed by Bermudian Georgia Rego, herself a young adult working with Ignite. She said: “I look forward to working with my peers on this learning opportunity and thank HSBC in Bermuda for supporting young adults in developing their skills as entrepreneurs.”

The Ignite Internship Initiative will run for seven weeks, from June 7 to July 23, and is open to all local young adults from 18 to 25 years old. A stipend for the internship will be provided for project hours completed at their designated business or organisation; however, there is an additional time commitment for educational workshops as part of the programme. To learn more or to apply for the young adult entrepreneurial internship, visit www.ignitebermuda.com/interns.

All applications must be submitted online by close of business on May 21.