BEDC Corner – Jamillah Lodge

Welcome to the BEDC corner; here, you will get a chance to meet the dedicated members of our team and Board. We will share our thoughts on entrepreneurship and what it means to provide support and help you build your dreams.

This month we feature Jamillah Lodge, Director of Communication & Development!

• What excites you about entrepreneurship? 

I enjoy seeing an idea come to life from your own hard work.  Your action gives you the ability to determine success or failure.

• What advice would you give to someone who is trying to become an entrepreneur?

Just do it.  Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying.  To not try at all is a worse fate.

• What is your role at BEDC? 

I am the Communication & Development Director.  I manage the Communication & Development Unit that supports the internal team and manages the communications and PR on behalf of the Corporation.  In addition, my Unit has the pleasure of assisting entrepreneurs through special projects and development programmes like the Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme, Enterprise Bermuda, and Global Entrepreneurship Week.

• What is the best part about being a member of the BEDC team?

I enjoy the autonomy and the freedom to identify how we can best support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Also, our team is full of fun and interesting people. We laugh, and sometimes cry but ultimately, it’s nice to know that we are all working towards a shared objective of creating opportunities for Bermuda entrepreneurs to succeed.

• What role does entrepreneurship play in the future of Bermuda? 

There is no Bermuda future without entrepreneurship.  Yes, I said it. Entrepreneurship is integral to create opportunities for all.  It is important to note that an entrepreneurial mindset is key whether you work for someone or yourself.  It is about solving problems and figuring out a way despite there seeming to be no clear path toward success.

• What trends have you noticed emerging within Bermuda’s Entrepreneurial Landscape? 

I have noticed that people are more willing to be entrepreneurs.  They are willing to try and fail and try again until they reach success.  I have been with BEDC for 15 years, so I have seen the evolution of Bermudians accepting entrepreneurship as a viable component of the Bermuda economy.  It is inspiring and lets me know that we are heading in the right direction.