More than 1,100 people attended the Bacardi Black-owned Vendor Market, which generated more than $31,000 in recorded sales.

Fifty Black-owned Bermudian businesses across food, retail, beauty, artisan goods and professional services took part in last Friday’s event at Bacardi’s global headquarters on Pitts Bay Road.

The event, which celebrates Black History Month and is in its fourth year, has grown in visibility and cultural relevance, according to sponsors Bacardi.

New this year, Bacardi launched a Digital Vendor Directory featuring all participating businesses, ensuring that support extends well beyond market day. The directory is available via @thebacardiguy on Instagram.

Ashley Stephens, founder of Ashley’s Lemonade, said: “Opportunities like this make such a meaningful difference — the exposure, the connections, and the overall boost were invaluable. It was a reminder of how powerful it is when brands create space for entrepreneurs to shine.”

A media release from Bacardi said the Vendor Market forms part of the broader Bacardi corporate sustainability strategy of People and Planet.

In advance of the market, Bacardi hosted its second annual entrepreneurial masterclass, “The Power Hour: Think Bigger, Start Smarter,” intended to equip vendors with practical tools to build scalable businesses in Bermuda and beyond.

The initiative also aligns with the continued investment of Bacardi in workforce development through Shake Your Future, a free global bartender training programme that Bacardi has launched across several countries and provides underemployed and unemployed young adults with the skills needed for sustainable careers in hospitality.

Earlier this month, Bermuda participants of Cohort 4 travelled to London to receive internationally recognised certification at the European Bartending School, further strengthening pathways to sustainable careers in hospitality.

“The Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market reflects who we are as a family-owned company founded on entrepreneurship,” said Douglas Mello, managing director of Bacardi International.

“Through initiatives like the vendor market, the Digital Vendor Directory and Shake Your Future, we are committed to giving back to our community and creating long-term economic opportunity.”

• For more information, visit www.bacardilimited.com