The seventh cohort of Ignite Bermuda, the privately funded entrepreneurial accelerator, has launched with a two-day boot camp for the 30 entrepreneurs selected for the organisation’s core programme.

Ignite said the in-person event took place in a digital event space provided by Argus Group, where key skills were discussed, including customer discovery, lean start-up and the importance of developing a resilient, entrepreneurial mindset.

In addition to the core Ignite programme, the organisation said, it welcomed new members to the Fuel Your Ambition Series, a monthly initiative that runs alongside the core programme covering similar topics in an online, virtual environment.

The Fuel programme, which began this week, addresses the needs of entrepreneurs who are not able to commit significant time and also where their business idea is in early-stage development.

At boot camp, Ignite said, the cohort connected with its resident advisers, graduates of the programme who have returned to provide guidance and support.

The advisers for the seventh cohort are Holly Mazar-Fox, Feven Binega-Northcott, Carole Reed and Carrie Astwood, who provided tips on the best ways to make use of the programme and insights into how they can support cohort members.

Each start-up presented a 60-second pitch to the group.

Four finalists took top prizes based on their clear explanation of the problem they are solving, as well as the delivery of an actionable ask — Camille Creary (Cocoon Work), Kim Pratt and Bob Livingston (Whisk and Spoon), Keile Rabain (Summer by Keile) and Dakia O’Brien (Picky Little Eaters Club).

Together with key stakeholders in the community, Ignite said, it offers a formalised curriculum to improve skills, mindset and provide a network of mentors and investors to provide support and access to capital.

The organisation said: “At Ignite, we promote networking and encourage the cohort to work together to solve problems. At the same time, Ignite offers guidance and support by way of enablement sessions while providing a safe, state-of-the-art space to work.

“Ignite is keen to encourage persons to seek out and support entrepreneurs as they are the driving force of jobs and diversity and critical to the economic and social wellbeing of Bermuda.”

A spokeswoman for Ignite added: “We are excited to have another diverse group of entrepreneurial leaders in our midst.

“We would like to thank our sponsors, panellists, guest speakers, governing board and volunteers who made the event a success.

“Special thanks to the Argus Insurance facilities team for being gracious hosts.”