The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is hosting a second series of “Lunch n Learn” sessions, aimed at giving tourism-minded entrepreneurs a leg-up.

The BTA has said it plans to provide up to $75,000 in grants as part of its 2016 Tourism Experiences programme, and the sessions are intended to help those seeking grants ensure their ideas are aligned with the objectives of the programme.

A spokesman said: “The objective is to help entrepreneurs create strong proposals, particularly those who have not been through the application process before and want to put forward new, unique ideas.

“Home-grown ideas are essential to modernising the Bermuda hospitality product and a pathway to increasing jobs and growing the local tourism economy.”

The second round of the Lunch n Learn series begins on July 15 and sessions are offered weekly until August 12.

The first session will focus on “unique experiences and consumer research”, delving into the research the BTA uses to drive the investment process and highlight the need to create experiences unique to the Island.

On July 22, the session will look at new proposals and business plans, helping potential applicants flesh out their ideas.

The August 5 session will focus on using social media to grow a business, while the final session on August 12 will feature a panel discussion about the challenges of starting a new venture and strategies for success.

The spokesman warned that spaces in the session are limited, and those interested in attending are urged to contact Dave Thomas at dthomas@bermudatourism.com.

The BTA will begin accepting applications for the 2016 Tourism Experiences programme in September, with priority given to experiences that are annual and “standout in a competitive application process”. Last year 55 per cent of applicants were successful in receiving an investment grant of one kind or another.