As diverse agencies and business leaders assemble this week to commemorate collaboration in driving the island’s economic growth, the entrepreneur behind a thriving small business came forward as an example of how working together was better.

Tia Crockwell, of OnSight Optometry, spoke to The Royal Gazette as Global Economic Development Week brought together an eclectic range of stakeholders, including the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Bermuda Business Development Agency and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, under the theme of “Stronger Together: Building Bermuda's Economic Future”.

Ms Crockwell, whose business was boosted in 2023 with a $25,000 BEDC grant, said: “The BEDC has been a big part of it all — I will have been in business for three years on Saturday.”

She was among an informal “class of 2023” in the BEDC Enterprise Bermuda incubator programme, with the founders of other companies such as Off Grid RV Co and Lacquered Lounge.

“We all studied together, and there’s a few of us still going strong. It helped a lot by bringing us together so we could network — networking was a big part of it.”

Ms Crockwell said the BEDC brought together a combination of like-minded people whose businesses were at different stages of advancement, and provided courses in key topics such as marketing and accounting.

She also honed her business acumen through events such as the BEDC Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition — while the grant enabled her to purchase medical equipment that made “a huge difference”.

Ms Crockwell added that the BEDC’s own marketing and publications, ranging from newsletters and podcasts, provided valuable exposure.

She said the assistance went beyond the island’s high-cost environment — including help with the “lack of clarity when it comes to how you go about starting a business” that would be difficult to tackle alone.

Midway through economic development week, Erica Smith, the executive director of the BEDC, explained: “This week is a concept developed by the International Economic Development Council, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary — it’s a membership organisation convening economic developers around the world.

“In Bermuda, we wanted to highlight the role that individuals and agencies play in contributing to our development, which is an expansion on the island’s economic development strategy.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for people to see the roles they play and understand the synergy that takes place, from foreign direct investment to tourism, transportation, workforce development — these are all key components of a healthy and thriving economy. Ultimately, it’s about success for our people.”

Ms Smith said it marked the event’s second year in action, to “tell that story” of how various groups “work together in collaboration as opposed to duplication”, and spread awareness of their roles.

“From a BEDC perspective, our core work is focused on the key pillars of business retention and expansion”.

Simone Gibbons, the head of marketing, communication and events for the BDA, said the week’s “Stronger Together” theme reflected the varieties within participants’ collective support of Bermuda’s economic development.

She added: “Our original thinking was that, during Global Economic Development Week, we would highlight the role each agency plays, so the local public has a clearer understanding of what we do individually and how we collectively support the Government’s economic development strategy.”

Ms Gibbons highlighted the Build Conference, which focused “specifically on infrastructure — is one of several pillars within that broader strategy”.

“The BDA was pleased to support its sister agency, the BEDC, at the Build Conference, convening industry leaders for a timely discussion on the future of hotel and large-scale development in Bermuda.

“Led by Marquis Caines, the BDA developed the panel and speaking framework for ‘Building for the Future: Unlocking Hotel Development in Bermuda’ and engaged partners from the infrastructure space.

“The panel was moderated by Andy Mielczarek, chief executive of Bermuda Commercial Bank, and featured Mac Slauson, of Performance Ltd, Jonathan Halata, of Island Realty Bermuda, and Chris Maybury.

“Discussions focused on the realities of development in Bermuda, including construction costs, workforce needs, logistics, access to capital and stronger industry collaboration.”