News

Local entrepreneurs get ready to make the Ultimate Pitch

17 October 2024

Entrepreneurs in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area now have the chance to secure up to £5,000 in investment for their business ideas with the launch of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch. This exciting new initiative, backed by the government’s business support service, is aimed at individuals, businesses, and social enterprises across all sectors that have been trading for less than two years.

The shortlisted applicants will soon go head-to-head in local heats, taking place across Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, including Derry City and Strabane. Contestants will have the opportunity to present their ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of experienced judges, all vying for a spot in the next round of the competition and the coveted investment prize.

In addition to the chance to win up to £5,000, the winner of the Derry City and Strabane heat will walk away with a prize package valued at £1,000. Thanks to the generous support of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, the winner will also receive a year’s hot desk space and 12 months' membership of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, offering vital networking opportunities and resources to help them grow their business.

The judging panel includes Leeann Monk-Özgul, the co-founder of Access Elemental. The Derry woman was awarded the prestigious Catalyst for Change Award at the INVENT 2024 Awards, and was also named as one of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in Tech.

Locals are encouraged to come along to support those making their pitches to the judges. As well as listening to some innovative new ideas, audience members will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with Leeann.

Speaking ahead of the event Leeann explained: “I am really looking forward to meeting these local entrepreneurs and hearing about their great ideas. A forum like this is the perfect place for anyone with a new idea to get the necessary advice and support which could help their concept become a reality. If you’re interested in innovation and have a mind for business, then you will really enjoy this event. Come along and give our local pitchers your support.”

The Derry City and Strabane District heat will take place in the Guildhall on 22nd October. The local heat winners will then progress to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in Belfast in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Head of Business in Derry City and Strabane District Council, Kevin O’Connor said: “Go Succeed has already made an incredible impact on businesses and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland through our series of workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programmes, grants, and other services.

“It is clear that this region is a place rich with commercial ingenuity, new ways of thinking and unique business ideas, and that’s exactly what we want to celebrate with The Ultimate Pitch.”

Encouraging people to come along to the local heat, Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Derry Chamber of Commerce said, “We know there are so many people in our City and District who have really unique and innovative business ideas and we are looking forward to seeing them put their ideas forward at the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award. This is the perfect platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and the prize package on offer could help transform an amazing idea into a reality. This is also a great opportunity for people to support these entrepreneurs as they make their pitch. This promises to be a really interesting event, so please come along and lend your support to the pitchers, we’re sure you’ll make some new connections or pick up some useful ideas as well.”

In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, individual prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur.

As well as the financial award, winners will receive a package of support including marketing and other business support services.

To register to attend the local heat go to https://derrystrabane.glistrr.com/e/86

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, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.

To find out more information about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view a full list of terms and conditions, and apply, visit www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.