The search for Northern Ireland’s next business giant in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area is on as Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch returns for its third year running.
The pitching competition gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete for up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.
Launched by Go Succeed, Northern Ireland’s government-backed business support service, the competition is open to pre-trading and newly established businesses that have been operating for less than two years, across all sectors.
The Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area heat will take place in October with hopefuls presenting their business idea in front of a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.
The final will take place in November, returning to the literary home of one of Ireland’s most celebrated storytellers, Seamus Heaney. Coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week, the event will see the 11 local heat winners deliver their final pitches to a panel of expert judges.
Last year’s Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area winner was Katie Willoughby of ProTech who secured a spot in the final with her idea for a business to build soft skills among tech leaders operating in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Councilor Brian Higginson, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said: “At Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, we are continually inspired by the strength of entrepreneurial talent within our local community. Through the Go Succeed service, we are proud to support individuals at every stage of their business journey.
“Over the past two years, the Ultimate Pitch competition has made a real impact locally - helping participants build confidence, refine their ideas, strengthen their pitching skills, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
“Whether you’re just starting out, growing a social enterprise, or developing a new idea within an established business, we encourage you to apply and take that next step.”
Last year’s overall winner was Sander Van Eck from Coleraine who amazed judges with his innovative waterproof socks company, Noord.
Winners of local heats will receive a £1,000 investment with a further £5,000 available for the overall winner of the region-wide final. The overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award will also receive a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Additional prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur, and the Go Succeed People’s Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes.
Entrants have until 17th August to apply to the competition. Applicants will also have the opportunity to attend pitching masterclasses on how to make the ultimate pitch ahead of their local heats.
The Final will take place in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on Wednesday 18th November, during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.
To find out more about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view the full terms and conditions, and apply, visit: www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.