Ignite Bermuda, the entrepreneurial accelerator programme, begins accepting applications in about two weeks for its fifth cohort in January. The application portal will be open October 4-15 at www.ignitebermuda.com.

The five-month programme focuses on individuals building their entrepreneurial mindset and resilience with a community of like-minded people to support them.

Cohort applicants gain access to the resources and space available at the collaborative hub in Hamilton, and also join an ever growing ecosystem of mentors, industry experts, Ignite alumni and coaches.

Importantly, Ignite’s residential advisers, recent programme graduates, are selected to continue on for the next cycle to support the incoming cohort members.

The chosen advisers right now are Akilah Swan, Allison Lacoursiere, Dwayne Trott and Jennifer Ward. And they will select the next batch of advisers for the fifth cohort.

“Ignite is not for everyone”, said Ms Ward, founder of Island Property News.

However, she urges anyone who may be considering applying for Ignite to “just do it. The fact that you’re even thinking about it means something”.

Ms Ward added: “Be prepared to put the time in to work on yourself and your business – if you are working full time elsewhere you may want to think about that. It’s important to dedicate time to really focus on what you are doing over the five-six months of the programme.

“Be prepared to be challenged … if you have old habits and mindsets, be prepared to shift them, if they aren’t working for you any more.”

Mr Trott, CEO of Clean Energy Storage Solutions, said potential cohort members should “expect to meet like-minded individuals who share the same passion to contribute as you do.

“Expect to be challenged in a way that brings out the best in you, be prepared to be in an environment where you can be vulnerable, not be judged about your fears, and simply be encouraged to be the best that you can be.”

Ms Lacoursiere, founder of Clear Coaching, said: “You will make connections with people on the island that will help you grow your business and yourself. You will have the community, the mindset, the connections, the skills to grow and develop yourself to new levels.”

Ignite said it strives to turn red lights green and open doors that may have been previously shut.

Mr Trott added: “The Ignite programme will be a life changing experience. Young or older, male or female, non-profit or for profit, established business or not, don't let your mindset/fears prevent you from signing up for the programme. They will help you turn dreams into reality.”

For more information regarding Ignite’s accelerator programme and Fuel Your Ambition workshop series, see www.ignitebermuda.com or Instagram and Facebook @ignitebermuda.