Building Back Equal Joint Programme in Bermuda Concludes with Strong Results for Women and Youth Entrepreneurs

The event highlighted the programme's significant achievements in fostering gender equality and economic empowerment through innovative financing and capacity-building initiatives.

A Collaborative Effort to Drive Change

The Building Back Equal Joint Programme was funded by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund and implemented in country by the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors of Bermuda, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), under the programmatic and technical leadership of UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With funding support of some US $ 1,822,800 across Bermuda and The Bahamas, the initiative sought to address the unique challenges women and youth entrepreneurs face in accessing finance and business support.

The Building Back Equal Joint Programme was the first of its kind in the history of UN-Bermuda relations and points to growing optimism in providing tailored support to high-income Small Island Developing States with hidden development challenges. 

The Hon. Tinée S. Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, opened the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting women and youth in their entrepreneurial endeavours. Minister Furbert stated, “As we close this chapter of the Building Back Equal Joint Programme, I am deeply moved by what we’ve accomplished together. True progress happens when we build lasting partnerships and focus on empowering each and every person in our community.”

In an official video message, Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bermuda, underscored the UN's dedication to promoting gender equality and sustainable development in the region. “This Programme has laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and empowerment of women and youth entrepreneurs in Bermuda,” Resident Coordinator Zulu said.

The closing event featured networking opportunities among participants, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to sustainability in its programming.

“This programme has demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change,” said Gayle Gallop, Programme Specialist, Private Sector and Innovative Finance, UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean.” By bringing together diverse partners and leveraging their expertise, we have already impacted the lives of women and youth entrepreneurs in Bermuda.”

Empowering Entrepreneurs, Building a Brighter Future

Over its two-year duration, the programme achieved remarkable results in Bermuda, including:

• Gender-Responsive Business Practices: Training was provided to financial institutions on understanding the needs of women and youth-led MSMEs and developing gender-responsive financial instruments.
• Direct Financial Support: Technical services and cash grants were distributed to 19 women entrepreneurs in Bermuda through UN Women and UNDP.
• Accelerator Program: A dedicated accelerator programme was launched in Bermuda to support mature enterprises led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, providing them with the tools and resources to scale their businesses and attract international investment.
• Curriculum Development: A comprehensive curriculum was developed for business accelerator programs, ensuring adaptability to diverse audiences and industries.
• Policy Influence: The programme's research and findings are expected to inform national gender policies in Bermuda, further enhancing the environment for women and youth entrepreneurs.

A Legacy of Empowerment

 The close-out event and accompanying panels and workshops featured a host of partners and beneficiaries sharing their inspiring stories and insights on leadership, breaking barriers, and experiences in developing tools to build successful businesses.

“The Building Back Equal Joint Programme aligns with BEDC's mission to empower entrepreneurs by addressing key barriers for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. At the BEDC, we are committed to providing the tools, resources, and support that entrepreneurs need to succeed, and this initiative has reinforced our efforts to foster a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bermuda." Erica Smith, Executive Director, Bermuda Economic Development Cooperation, said. 

On behalf of the UNDP Jamaro Marville highlighted that this initiative has laid the groundwork for future policies that enhance the business environment for women and youth in Bermuda and The Bahamas. 

“We are not just closing a programme today; we are also opening doors for sustainability and lasting change with real impact for youth, women and girls and people living with disabilities,” Marville said.

As the programme closes, its success offers other Small Island Developing States a model to follow.

“By fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem, the program has created a lasting legacy that will benefit Bermuda’s youth and future generations,” UN Resident Coordinator Zulu said. 

“This work is just the beginning of a brighter future for Bermuda—one where women, youth, and persons with disabilities have the chance to lead, thrive, and shape our island’s future. Together, we’re moving forward, step by step, towards a Bermuda where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and every voice is heard.” The Hon. Tinée S. Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said.