The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is to host a virtual seminar next week to provide an update on the business opportunities that exist in the local market and abroad, post Covid-19.

The Next Big Thing! – A Follow Up, One Year Later, is the sequel to a seminar held by the BEDC in November 2019.

The free online event will take place on Thursday from 11.30am until 1pm.

Featured panellists include David Burt, the Premier; Marico Thomas of Four Star; Karen Franks, president/founder, ADA Group Holdings Ltd; Neville Grant, board chairman, BEDC, and head of corporate banking, HSBC; Nhuri Bashir, co-founder of Burnt House Productions; and Tulani Bulford, senior partner, Portland Lane Capital.

The BEDC said the panel will discuss the following questions and more: What is required to solve real-world problems? How do you identify an opportunity and then seize it? During a global pandemic, is it more important now to understand how to recognise business opportunities and, if necessary, pivot to survive?

Panel members will provide insight to attendees on the steps they have taken to navigate through a global pandemic and how innovation has played a factor in helping to do business differently.

The BEDC said attendees will hear from Mr Burt about what has been accomplished towards achieving his goal for the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bermuda.

The accompanying panel of entrepreneurs will provide an update on the opportunities that they have identified and how they have realised or shifted to continue to achieve their business objectives.

Mr Thomas said: “I feel fortunate to have been able to maintain business operations through the pandemic and want to share my experiences which may bring benefit to others.”

Erica Smith, executive director of the BEDC, said: “The last year has been a challenge for so many entrepreneurs. This seminar is timely and will provide a macro- and microeconomic outlook on how entrepreneurs are surviving and, in some cases, thriving during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She added: “Our hope is that the panel inspires attendees to continue to identify and leverage opportunities.”

Registration is free. To reserve a spot, register online at www.bedc.bm.