The Hon. Jason P. Hayward, JP, MP, Minister of Economy and Labour, is set to represent Bermuda at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) from June 2 - 4, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. This prestigious global gathering will unite thousands of entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders from over 200 countries, focusing on the theme "Building One Global Entrepreneurship Ecosystem."
Minister Hayward will actively participate in the Startup Nations Ministerial, an exclusive platform where government leaders and international experts share insights and innovative policy approaches to stimulate entrepreneurial activity, economic growth, and job creation. This ministerial summit will feature representatives from over 25 nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uruguay, alongside insights from leading global policy experts from OECD, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Startup Genome.
Minister Hayward remarked, "Bermuda’s participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Congress underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs thrive. Engaging with global counterparts provides Bermuda the opportunity to share our successes, learn from best practices internationally, and continue enhancing our policies and programs to support sustainable entrepreneurial growth."
The Minister will also hold key bilateral meetings with government delegations from Ghana, Nigeria, and the UN Trade and Development representatives. These meetings aim to build stronger international relationships, explore avenues for collaboration, and leverage global expertise to further Bermuda’s economic development.
Alongside Minister Hayward, Bermuda's delegation, including Director of Workforce Development Malika Cartwright and BEDC's Director of Communications and Development Jamillah Lodge, will utilize this global platform to highlight the island’s achievements through the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s (BEDC) programs, including the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator (EBI) and Accelerator (EBA), the extensive support provided to Economic Empowerment Zones (EEZs), Approved Residential Schemes (ARS) and impactful financial assistance initiatives. In addition, the Minister will highlight innovative Government policies like the Global Entrepreneur Work Permit. These efforts collectively reinforce Bermuda’s role as an attractive and dynamic location for entrepreneurship and innovation.
"Our engagement at GEC 2025 will strengthen Bermuda's position as a leader in supporting innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems," said Minister Hayward. "By exchanging knowledge and fostering international partnerships, we aim to ensure that Bermuda’s entrepreneurial sector continues to drive economic diversification, resilience, and prosperity."