The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) will conduct a two‑session evening workshop series aimed at entrepreneurs and local business owners interested in cooperative models. The first session will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, and the second on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, both at 6:30 p.m. in a downtown conference centre.

Cooperatives—businesses owned and governed by their members—offer a way for small firms to pool resources, share risk and tap into collective bargaining power. The workshops, designed for a broad audience, will cover the fundamentals of cooperative structure, legal frameworks, and the financial benefits that can arise from member‑owned ventures. BEDC officials hope the sessions will spark interest in cooperative ventures that can strengthen local supply chains and retain profits within the community.

"We want to give Bermudians tools to diversify their economic activities and create resilient, people‑centric enterprises," said a BEDC spokesperson. "Cooperatives can be particularly effective in sectors such as tourism, crafts, and food production, where local collaboration can improve quality and competitiveness.")

The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about cooperatives. Participants will receive a brief overview, case studies of successful BERMUDA cooperatives, and guidance on getting started. The series is part of BEDC’s broader initiative to broaden the range of business models available to the island’s entrepreneurs and to support sustainable economic growth.