The pitching competition gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete for up to \u00a36,000 in investment for their business idea.<\/p>\n
Launched by Go Succeed, Northern Ireland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The local Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area heat will take place in autumn with hopefuls presenting their business idea in front of a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.<\/p>\n
The final will take place in November, returning to the literary home of one of Ireland\u2019s 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area winner was John Barber who secured a spot in the final after wowing the judges with a pitch that showcased his invention of a low-cost sensor to detect when someone stops breathing.<\/p>\n
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The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said:<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n\u201cAt Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough 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.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n\u201cOver 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.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n\u201cWhether you\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Last year\u2019s overall winner was Sander Van Eck from Coleraine who amazed judges with his innovative waterproof socks company, Noord.<\/p>\n
Winners of local heats will receive a \u00a31,000 investment with a further \u00a35,000 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.<\/p>\n
Additional prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award, 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\u2019s Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Final will take place in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on Wednesday 18th November, during Global Entrepreneurship Week.<\/p>\n