Eleven businesses and 13 entrepreneurs graduated from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation's inaugural Vendor Academy.

Delivered weekly from March 17 to April 28, the Vendor Academy was designed to strengthen the fundamentals required to operate successfully in market environments.

The programme focused on practical areas including table presentation, pricing strategy, brand identity and performance evaluation.

All 13 participants completed the full programme, equipped with the tools to improve how they present, price and position their products.

By the end of the seven weeks, vendors had developed clearer pricing structures, stronger brand identities and more consistent approaches to customer experience, positioning them to show up more professionally and competitively at every event.

The following businesses successfully completed the inaugural Vendor Academy:

• Suavve Streetwear — Chioke Hewey

• Pink Crystal Moments — Tamara Smith

• Kreatively Made — Karen Fox-Simmons

• Baskets For You — Debora Caines

• The Sipping Lab — Azia Parris

• Keepsake Krafts — Linda Terry

• Peace by Piece Puzzles — Jahkera Tucker

• Island Girl Papercrafter — Keeva Joell-Benjamin

• Yunique Nails & Body — Yinka Bartley

• Simply Vanilla — Coleen Smith

• JB’s Coastal Creations — Jerry-Dee Richardson and Brittany Haley

In addition to the training, each graduate received a six-month vending licence and participated in the programme’s final vending market.

Through the support of the Ministry of Economy and Labour and the Economic Development Department, each business was also provided with professional branded materials from BrandIt Bermuda, including a tablecloth, banner bug and branded tent. These resources support vendors in presenting consistently and competitively at markets and pop-up events across the island.

Ondreyah Rochester, the BEDC’s micro, small and medium enterprise officer, said: “This first cohort showed what is possible when entrepreneurs are given practical tools and take ownership of their growth.”

She said participants became more intentional in how they priced, presented and engaged customers.

“They have built a strong foundation and we are confident in their ability to apply what they have learnt,” she said.

Coleen Smith, owner of Simply Vanilla Delight & Co said the Vendor Academy was an incredibly valuable experience that sharpened both her strategic thinking and practical skills.

“It provided a clear framework for navigating vendor relationships while also fostering collaboration and innovation,” she said. “I’m leaving the programme with greater confidence and a stronger foundation to drive meaningful results.”

Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the networking event and see first-hand the confidence and professionalism of the participants.

“Initiatives like this strengthen Bermuda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and create real opportunity for success.”

Graduates will next have the opportunity to put their training into practice in a real market setting at the Love Local Market on May 15 at Pier Six, in partnership with Penrose Partners.

The BEDC said the event brings together the community to celebrate and support local businesses and for this cohort, it marks a meaningful first step in applying everything they have worked towards.

• For more information see www.bedc.bm