Seven young Bermudians got wise words for the future from their summer mentors — along with three cash prizes — at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme on Wednesday.

Jamahl Simmons, the BEDC’s deputy chairman, told graduates: “Tonight is not the end of your story. The lessons you’ve gained and the confidence you’ve built will carry you forward … BEDC remains here to support you.”

Deshun Simmons, the programme co-ordinator, added: “This programme is about more than running a summer business; it’s about planting the seeds of possibility … Watching them grow in confidence and ability has been inspiring, and I believe the skills they’ve gained will serve them for years to come.”

The ceremony, held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Wednesday, brought together students, their families, mentors and dignitaries, including Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour. The programme is in its eighth year.

Participants spent eight weeks building their businesses with help from BEDC staff, mentors and workshops covering finance, marketing, branding and the IceHouse curriculum. Each student received start-up funds and a stipend, with the top three revenue earners — Ean Welch of Metal & String, Kandell Trott of Pure Potions and Enoch Ball of PlantScaping — awarded cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively.

The other businesses launched were Daniela Ratteray’s Struck Marketing Co, Sarah Williams’s Uncommon Interests, Micah Looby’s 7riple 7ev7n and Makao Butterfield’s Quench Lab Co. Products ranged from digital marketing solutions to anime merchandise, clothing and sea moss drinks.

Students also gained real-world experience by selling at a public meet-and-greet on the City Hall lawn last month.

Mr Hayward praised the students for their efforts, saying: “Entrepreneurship empowers young people to take charge of their future. Through this programme, these students have proven what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. The Government remains committed to ensuring that support for youth entrepreneurship is not just seasonal, but sustained and strategic.”