Ten entrepreneurs and their nine businesses have graduated from the seventh cohort of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s incubator programme.

The BDEC hosted a celebration at the Fourways Inn on April 9 that brought together graduates, their families and friends, and BEDC team and board members.

The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator supports local entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses, typically operating for two years or less. Participants engaged in a structured curriculum of in-person workshops, virtual check-ins, and monthly mentor meetings.

Topics covered ranged from entrepreneurial mindset and business model development to financial literacy, brand identity, sales strategy, and pitching. Participants also benefited from complimentary office space and an international learning opportunities throughout the programme.

The Cohort 7 graduates are:

• Vanessa Bartley – Scar Care Studio: a paramedical tattoo business that helps reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other skin conditions, offering inclusive care for all skin tones with a focus on restoring confidence through skin rejuvenation.

• Vurnell Ball – Bermuda Sensory Company: a rental service for sensory items such as weighted blankets and lap pads, offering calm and comfort for use at home, school, or work through rental, subscription, or purchase options.

• Vanessa James – The Bottle Studio: a sustainable design brand that transforms locally collected glass bottles into handcrafted home goods, from drinking glasses to candles, promoting reuse and eco-conscious style for locals and visitors alike.

• Lashuna Smith – Cognoscent & Co: a luxury candle studio and scent bar offering natural candles, handcrafted skincare, and immersive scent experiences that blend wellness, intimacy, and personalised rituals in a premium, sensory-focused setting.

• Quayunte Watson – Gombey Isle: a maker of handcrafted concrete candles and décor inspired by Bermuda's culture, offering customisable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products as meaningful gifts and keepsakes that celebrate island identity.

• Zativah Johnston – Piñata Paradise: a provider of handcrafted, custom piñatas for birthdays, holidays, and special events, crafting each piece to match the customer's theme for a fun, memorable, and personalised celebration.

• Rico Beek & Terai Wilson – The Pink Sand Confectionery: a Bermudian-based candy company creating premium vegan gummy candies inspired by traditional Bermudian flavours such as loquat and swizzle, celebrating island taste in every bite.

• Azia Parris – The Sipping Lab: a full-service mixology company offering cocktail classes, team building activities, and event bar set-ups, delivering elevated and personalised social experiences through carefully curated menus.

• Ashlyn Young – Tradie Central: an admin and support hub for tradespeople, handling bookkeeping, scheduling, and business management so tradespeople can focus on the work they do best while Tradie Central manages the rest.

Lee Simmons, chairman of the BEDC board, said: “Tonight is both a celebration and the beginning of your next chapter. You came in with ideas and leave with stronger plans, sharper skills, and a clearer sense of direction. You have proven you have what it takes, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.”

Vurnell Ball, owner of Bermuda Sensory Company, shared her experience in the programme. “This experience helped me believe in my vision for Bermuda Sensory Company,” she said. “It pushed me to grow, step out of my comfort zone, and start building something meaningful for my community."

Erica Smith, executive director of BEDC, reinforced the organisation’s commitment to the graduating cohort in her closing remarks.

“While this chapter of the incubator is closing, your relationship with BEDC is not,” Ms Smith said. “We remain committed to walking alongside you as you take your next steps and continue building businesses that contribute to Bermuda’s economy. Keep building. Keep learning. Keep moving forward.”

BEDC extends its appreciation to the families, friends, mentors, and team and board members whose presence and support made the evening a meaningful celebration of entrepreneurship and community in Bermuda.

• Applications for the eighth cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator open on April 27, 2026, with the programme running from July 2, 2026 to March 31, 2027. To learn more about the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator, explore this and past cohorts, and apply when applications open, visit www.bedc.bm