Nine Bermuda Entrepreneurs to Pitch for $125,000 in Grant Funding

Nine Bermuda entrepreneurs will compete for a share of $125,000 in grant funding at the fourth annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club.

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and Global Atlantic, the co-organizers, announced the finalists: Nala Carlington, Amon Simons, Marcus Rewan, Zakary Nzabalinda, Camily Lovell, Andrew Smith Jr., Taj-Rae Outerbridge, Mahtorrie Wilkinson, and Zach Stecko. Grants run up to $25,000 each.

The event takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and has become a fixture of that calendar in its four-year run, according to the organizers.

"Global Atlantic is proud to call Bermuda home, and supporting the people and businesses that contribute to the island's future is an important part of our commitment to the community," said Alberto Autmezguine, Managing Director, President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Atlantic Bermuda.

"Over the past several years, the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition has given us the opportunity to see firsthand the creativity and ambition of Bermuda's entrepreneurs. We are proud to continue our collaboration with BEDC and look forward to seeing this year's finalists bring their ideas to the stage," Autmezguine said.

Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, said the competition has become one of the highlights of Bermuda's entrepreneurial calendar. "That is due in no small part to Global Atlantic, whose commitment to Bermuda and to Bermudian entrepreneurs runs deep," she said.

"The grants change what these entrepreneurs are able to do next, but the stage matters just as much. It gives the island a chance to see the ingenuity and determination behind these businesses. Come out, cheer on our finalists, and play an active role in supporting the next generation of Bermudian business leaders," Smith continued.

The nine finalists split into two groups: three in the Young Adults category and six in the Main category, representing businesses across a range of industries.

Young Adults Category Finalists:

• Nala Carlington — The Daily Grind
• Amon Simons — Sweet Saak Bakery
• Marcus Rewan — C.H.U.M (Circular Harvesting Using Matter)

Main Category Finalists:

• Zakary Nzabalinda — Physio First: Rehab & Recovery
• Camily Lovell — Strange Bird
• Andrew Smith Jr. — Island Fresh Laundry
• Taj-Rae Outerbridge — TKO Locksmith
• Mahtorrie Wilkinson — Provisions Homecare
• Zach Stecko — Harbourflow

Each finalist gets five minutes on stage to present a business idea and vision to a panel of judges drawn from Global Atlantic and Bermuda's business community. Judges will score pitches on innovation, feasibility, and potential for growth. The live format gives the audience a view of how the island's entrepreneurs think, plan, and present in a competitive setting.

Attendees will also have a direct say in one outcome. The evening includes a People's Choice Award, where in-person voters pick their favorite pitch.

Past winners point to tangible results. Greg Wilson, Founder of Food Forest, won the main category at the 2025 competition and described the grant's effect: "The growth of any business is something that comes from patience, purpose and preservation. This grant has accelerated our trajectory in sustainable agriculture in many ways and helped us tremendously, in just a few short years we have become a leader in regenerative sustainable organic farming. Thanks for all your help BEDC and Global Atlantic."

Admission is free, but seating is limited. The organizers ask attendees to RSVP at www.gew.bm to reserve a seat. For the nine finalists, five minutes on stage on November 16 could determine who follows Food Forest's path from pitch to category leader.