Entrepreneurs chewed over commerce with the Premier yesterday at his 'Brown Bag Lunch on the Lawn'.

Dr. Ewart Brown welcomed small business owners to the Cabinet Office grounds to discuss issues and opportunities. Representatives of 15 companies attended, joined by the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation and the Ministry of Finance.

The Premier said: "I can really relate to this group because I am a small business owner. I know the challenges they face first-hand, but I also know the self-fulfillment that comes with owning your own business."

Leroy Turini, owner of Winky Dinky Dog, said the Brown Bag Lunch had been the perfect opportunity to network. "It helps to know there are other people going through the same struggle," he said.

Ivan Outerbridge, of technology company Eye Designz, proposed a smart card idea to Dr. Brown, who is Minister of Transport. "I've presented it before to PTB, but it was ahead of its time back then. Now might be a better time," he said.

"I've been trying to meet with the Premier face to face for a while. So this was a good opportunity for me."

And it seemed the entrepreneurs' ideas were welcomed. Dr. Brown said: "A few of the people here today had some very good ideas about strengthening small businesses in Bermuda. I wouldn't be surprised if their ideas became legislation."