Ignite Bermuda, the island’s privately-funded entrepreneurial accelerator, is calling for applications for its fourth cohort.

The organisation will begin taking applications online at www.ignitebermuda.com on Monday. Applications close on February 5.

Members of the fourth Ignite cohort will begin their journey in May.

Forty-four entrepreneurs representing 34 start-ups at various stages of development are in the midst of Ignite’s third cohort, which runs until March.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the third cohort has become the first to receive Ignite’s curriculum primarily through digital platforms.

The current cohort also welcomed seven non-profit leaders to the mix for the first time, the organisation said.

Ignite said it continues to champion the importance of ongoing personal development for each individual entrepreneur, with the third cohort showcasing the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of resilience.

The organisation said the current group began their Ignite journey in the midst of ongoing global challenges, but rose to the challenge to solve problems.

Ignite said the cohort has shown steadfast focus during a challenging period, providing critical community support.

As a result, Ignite continues to encourage applications from charities and their leaders for the accelerator programme.

Sean Reel, director of Ignite, said: “Bermuda is blessed with some amazing community leaders in the not-for-profit sector and their investment in developing their skills will have a massive impact on the community and its resilience.”

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, managing director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, is a member of the third cohort.

She said: “More doors have opened for BBBS, we have a larger network and formed new partnerships – we have been given the tools to guarantee success.

“We have also learnt how to pivot if needed and not be afraid to do so. We have learnt how to navigate through uncertain times which is awesome especially since we are in the middle of a pandemic.”

Tori Moniz, of Recipe Box, reflected on her personal growth since the start of the third cohort.

She said: “Honestly, I wasn't really sure what to expect coming in. There have been so many times that I want or feel like I need to quit, think my business will fail and just generally doubt everything, but Ignite laid things out like building blocks and gave me the ability to look at my business a piece at a time rather than being overwhelmed.”

Laura Lyons, Ignite manager and entrepreneurial enabler, added: “For many, entrepreneuring is an exciting space but it can also feel very lonely. A benefit of joining Ignite is you gain an entrepreneurial family of 200-plus community leaders and realise that you are not alone.

“We also provide access to an ecosystem whose aim is to both support and help the entrepreneur turn red lights to green. Our process of enablement is focused on helping the entrepreneurs solve challenges in their own way, working to their strengths and gaining self-awareness on where they might need to focus their skill building.

“By developing a growth mindset, we are better prepared when we hit the inevitable red light and more capable of taking the opportunity to rethink, learn, and pivot if necessary.”

For more information about Ignite Bermuda’s accelerator programme, see the website at www.ignitebermuda.com.