NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Startup Grind launched its Nassau chapter over the weekend.
Startup Grind is a Google-powered global startup community designed to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs across the globe.
The Nassau chapter was started on Saturday by Brandsy Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gershwine Greene.
The University of Virginia Tech sophomore said he got the idea to start to a local chapter from his time at a Forbes 30 under 30 summit in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The Under 30 summit is an open forum for Under 30 “list-makers” to share business ideas and strategies.
“I saw that a lot of my international counterparts were really into the idea of collaboration, and I thought to myself that we need something like that in The Bahamas,” Greene said.
“This initiative was brought about to bridge the gap between young entrepreneurs and older entrepreneurs and investors. Right now, we want to begin with introducing small and actionable ways we can achieve results in what we are looking to accomplish.
“Now, more than ever, we need to highlight more non-traditional methods of wealth-building. In the United States, people are making money from data platforms, software services and other related fields. We have people that do these things here in The Bahamas, and this is all about connecting those likeminded individuals.”
Chief Aliv Officer (CAO) Damian Blackburn was the keynote speaker of the Chapter’s first ever meeting, held at Aquafire Bar and Grill, West Bay St. The event was held under the theme “Invest in Yourself”.
Blackburn said he applauds the idea of young Bahamians getting more involved in doing digital business, in regards to trading and investing, particularly digital media.
“I think this is truly an amazing initiative. I first heard about it just a few days ago when I was asked to come to the session, and I was amazed to so how many young people came out to try learn more and connect,” Blackburn said. “I know this is a global initiative, and I know that it is very important to encourage startups because it is the bedrock of any economy. We have our own program called Aliv creates and we encourage this kind of spirit to want to own businesses.
“Aliv Creates will work with Bahamians to create digital solutions centered around the smartphone, but not exclusively. We are here to help Bahamians create apps and get their digital ideas off the ground.”
Other speakers at the event included Ariana McWeeny (CEO, Aquafire & Forkmates), N’nhyn Fernander (Serial Entrepreneur & Day Trader), Benjamin Moultrie-Grant (Founder, BAYP) and Johnathan Pinder (Financial Technology Entrepreneur). The Minister of Financial Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration.
Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community actively educating and connecting more than 1,500,000 entrepreneurs in over 500 chapters. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs build their businesses, connect with strategic partners, and secure funding.
