Entrepreneurs, small business owners and service providers had the chance to make new contacts and share their details and experiences at a speed networking event held by the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) yesterday.

The BSBDC sponsored Small Business Networking Matters event, which was held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, also featured Finance Minister Paula Cox and BSBDC board member Patrice Minors, who delivered the welcome speech encouraging attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to meet people who may be able to help advance their businesses.

The event kicked off with two 15-minute presentations by business owners. The first presentation was delivered by president of GMD Consulting Ltd. and BSBDC board member David Burt. Mr. Burt provided delegates with some helpful 'Do's and Don'ts' of networking.

William Spriggs, partner with Sanchin Development Ltd., then gave a speech entitled '5 Steps to Create Amazing Opportunities'.

Erica Smith, Economic Empowerment Zone Agency director and event organiser, introduced the start of 'Speed Networking' session which lasted one hour. The session gave attendees five minutes at each professional service providers' table., with experts from the financial services, Government, insurance/pension, legal, marketing/advertising, business management and information technology industries.

The service providers came out prepared to provide valuable information and giveaways.

One attendee said: "It was great meeting and talking to vendors that they would not have spoken to otherwise."

Freisenbruch Meyer, one of the three representatives that came out for the insurance sector, remarked that this was a great opportunity to meet new and existing clients. A marketing/PR service provider, Amir of GinO Productions, confirmed that he had picked up at least two new clients as a result of the event.

Mrs. Smith said: "Overall the event, a first for BSBDC, was a success. We will continue to facilitate the sharing of ideas for our clients and entrepreneurs through events like this that provide opportunities for exposure for new and established businesses."

For more information on the event and the BSBDC's upcoming seminars contact info@bsbdc.bm or visit the website at www.bsbdc.bm