Five months into the first session at Bermuda’s first privately funded entrepreneurial accelerator, Ignite Bermuda executive director Sean Reel says he is happy with the progress being made by the 17-strong cohort.“We have a pool of high-quality entrepreneurs to grow Bermuda’s employment and economy in a positive way,” he said, explaining that the Ignite programme is “creating new opportunities and jobs, and increasing the level of diversity and industries and opportunities for people on the island”. In partnership with UK-based Entrepreneurial Spark, the initiative provides coaching and mentoring, a formalised curriculum, workspace to share and collaborate with peers, and access to a network of investors.The programme is referred to as an “accelerator” because “what they would normally do in three or four years, they are doing here in three or four months,” Mr Reel said.The cohort represents a wide range of products and services offered by businesses at different stages of their development.“We have seen businesses from start-ups to those with a $2 million annual turnover,” Mr Reel said.The members of the first cohort and their entrepreneurial projects, are:• Anderica Gilbert, Bermuda Dental Studio, manufacturer of dentures that is expanding its facilities;• Samuel Outerbridge and Adam Petty, Coral Coast Clothing, retailer with expanding international sales;• Alex Jones, CPR Cell Phone Repair Bermuda, the island’s largest electronics repair store;• Taylor Rankin, Dream Dish, early stage business that is blending technology and creativity to present culinary adventures, stories and surprises;• Gaynete Jones, G.A.M.E. Changing Industries, author, keynote speaker and online training course creator whose online business is expanding globally;• Catarina Rocha, Glamping on de Rock, provider of all-inclusive, hassle-free, luxury pop-up temporary camping venues;• Neal and Ian Armstrong, Greenlite, developing a solution to the twin challenges of school gate safety and traffic congestion;• Dwain Smith and Mandela Caesar, ICSS, established Bermudian business that provides technology to monitor and provide alerts when an elderly or infirm friend or family member needs urgent attention;• Christine Sgobba, Lemoncello Design, design studio that creates bespoke graphics for small businesses and individuals;• Catherine Burns, Natural Nutrition, award-winning business delivering proven, innovative health solutions to Bermudians of all ages;• Gina Stableford, Oarrs Ltd, credit and debt management services for organisations;• Surlena Smith, PondaPits Organic Deodorant, personal care products business scaling to meet local demand and exploring export opportunities;• Melissa Looby, Pulse Group, project and event management firm emphasising strategic use of time and money;• Rochelle Minors, Rochelle Nichole, fashion brand business looking to manufacture and collaborate in Bermuda;• Colin Rego, Ziara Campbell and Onea Mills, Sargasso Sea Ltd, restaurant food delivery app with plans to expand to further categories;• Kelly Madeiros, Eloise Pitt Crick, Ardleigh Young, Solstice, safe and confidential mental wellness centre for children, adults, couples and families; and• Alicia and H Sabrina Kirby, Wanderlust Explorers Ltd, tour company that provides experiences year-round for active adventurers, culture and leisure seekers.