The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Global Atlantic have announced nine finalists for the fourth annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition, which awards $125,000 in total funding. Scheduled for November 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, the live event gives local founders up to $25,000 each in grant capital during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Finalists Competing for $125,000 in Grant Funding
The competition divides participants into two distinct tracks, featuring three contenders in the Young Adults category and six in the Main category.
Young Adults Category Finalists:
- Nala Carlington, representing The Daily Grind
- Amon Simons, representing Sweet Saak Bakery
- Marcus Rewan, representing C.H.U.M Circular Harvesting Using Matter
Main Category Finalists:
- Zakary Nzabalinda, representing Physio First: Rehab & Recovery
- Camily Lovell, representing Strange Bird
- Andrew Smith Jr., representing Island Fresh Laundry
- Taj-Rae Outerbridge, representing TKO Locksmith
- Mahtorrie Wilkinson, representing Provisions Homecare
- Zach Stecko, representing Harbourflow
Judging Criteria and Event Format
Representatives from Global Atlantic and Bermuda’s broader business community evaluate the pitches based on three primary metrics: innovation, feasibility, and potential for growth.
In-person attendees also participate through the People’s Choice Award, casting live votes for their preferred presentation. Admission to the event is free, though organizers require reservations via www.gew.bm due to limited seating capacity.
Economic Resilience and Past Impact
The collaboration between the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Global Atlantic enters its fourth year, cementing its role as a fixture on the island’s entrepreneurial calendar. Alberto Autmezguine, Managing Director, President and Chief Financial Officer of Global Atlantic Bermuda, noted that the competition highlights the creativity and ambition driving local enterprises forward.
Erica Smith, Executive Director of the BEDC, emphasized that the public platform is just as vital as the financial backing, giving the island visibility into the determination behind emerging businesses. Past participants point to tangible growth resulting from the grants. Greg Wilson, founder of Food Forest and a main category winner at the 2025 competition, stated that the financial support accelerated the firm’s trajectory in sustainable agriculture, helping establish the venture as a leader in regenerative organic farming.
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