The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications for its fifth annual Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme.

The SSEP provides students between the ages of 16 and 23 with the resources and support to launch, grow and sustain their own enterprises.

The eight-week initiative will run from July 4 until August 26.

The programme is designed to develop young Bermudians into the island’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

A maximum of 15 students will receive educational training, a weekly financial stipend and start-up funds to get their businesses running, the BEDC said.

In addition to initial training, BEDC staff will continue to support the students to ensure that they maximise the experience and earn as much as they can during the summer months.

The three participants with the highest profits will earn an additional financial reward.

Deshun Simmons, the programme manager and assistant communication and development officer at BEDC, said: “The goal of the programme is not just to assist participants with earning money over the summer, but also to impart an entrepreneurial mindset that will assist them as they prepare for their futures working in the business arena or as entrepreneurs.”

Businesses started last year by students included luxury soy candles, plant-based skincare, a clothing and lifestyle brand, furniture refurbishment, Japanese-based anime clothing and bubble tea.

Graduate of the 2021 SSEP and profit winner Marli Spriggs of BookSpace said: “I feel BEDC's SSEP was an ideal starting point to catapult me into a strong entrepreneurship momentum, preparing me for my own future projects.”

Mr Simmons added: “The SSEP is an excellent opportunity for students with entrepreneurial aspirations to put their business ideas to the test.

“The programme equips them with a week of intensive entrepreneurial training that shifts their mindset to prepare them for the weeks ahead of being their own boss. I am looking forward to the submissions and seeing the creative and diverse ideas our youth propose to execute over their summer holiday.”

Applications are being accepted until Sunday, June 5 online at www.bedc.bm.