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<\/a><\/p>\nA spokesperson said, \u201cDelivered weekly from March 17th to April 28th, 2026, the Vendor Academy was designed to strengthen the fundamentals required to operate successfully in market environments. The programme focused on practical areas including table presentation, pricing strategy, brand identity, and performance evaluation. All 13 participants completed the full programme, equipped with the tools to improve how they present, price, and position their products.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the end of the seven weeks, vendors had developed clearer pricing structures, stronger brand identities, and more consistent approaches to customer experience, positioning them to show up more professionally and competitively at every event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe following businesses successfully completed the inaugural Vendor Academy:<\/p>\n
Suavve Streetwear \u2013 Chioke Hewey
\nPink Crystal Moments \u2013 Tamara Smith
\nKreatively Made \u2013 Karen Fox-Simmons
\nBaskets For You \u2013 Debora Caines
\nThe Sipping Lab \u2013 Azia Parris
\nKeepsake Krafts \u2013 Linda Terry
\nPeace by Piece Puzzles \u2013 Jahkera Tucker
\nIsland Girl Papercrafter \u2013 Keeva Joell-Benjamin
\nYunique Nails & Body \u2013 Yinka Bartley
\nSimply Vanilla \u2013 Coleen Smith
\nJB\u2019s Coastal Creations \u2013 Jerry-Dee Richardson & Brittany Haley<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to the training, each graduate received a six-month vending licence and participated in the programme\u2019s final vending market. Through the support of the Ministry of Economy and Labour and the Economic Development Department, each business was also provided with professional branded materials from BrandIt Bermuda, including a tablecloth, banner bug, and branded tent. These resources support vendors in presenting consistently and competitively at markets and pop-up events across the island.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis first cohort showed what is possible when entrepreneurs are given practical tools and take ownership of their growth,\u201d said Ondreyah Rochester, MSME Officer at BEDC. \u201cParticipants became more intentional in how they price, present, and engage customers. They have built a strong foundation, and we are confident in their ability to apply what they have learned.\u201d<\/p>\n Coleen Smith, Owner of Simply Vanilla Delight & Co., had this to say, \u201cThe Vendor Academy was an incredibly valuable experience that sharpened both my strategic thinking and practical skills. It provided a clear framework for navigating vendor relationships while also fostering collaboration and innovation. I\u2019m leaving the program with greater confidence and a stronger foundation to drive meaningful results.\u201d<\/p>\n Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, attended the programme\u2019s closing networking event and commended the graduates, \u201cThe successful completion of this seven-week Vendor Academy programme reflects a strong investment in our local entrepreneurs. It was a pleasure to attend the networking event and see firsthand the confidence and professionalism of the participants. I was particularly encouraged by the Ministry\u2019s support through high-quality branding collateral, giving each graduate the tools to compete and grow. Initiatives like this strengthen Bermuda\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem and create real opportunity for success.\u201d<\/p>\n The spokesperson said, \u201cGraduates will next have the opportunity to put their training into practice in a real market setting at the Love Local Market on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at Pier Six, in partnership with Penrose Partners. The event brings together the Bermuda community to celebrate and support local businesses, and for this cohort, it marks a meaningful first step in applying everything they have worked toward.<\/p>\n \u201cFor more information on BEDC programmes, business support services, and upcoming events, visit www.bedc.bm<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t<\/a> Read More About<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
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