Time is running out for entrepreneurs to make the “Ultimate Pitch” and become Northern Ireland’s next business giant with the chance to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.
Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch
Entries for Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch close on Monday 17th August 2026 with the competition open to pre-trading and newly established businesses that have been operating for less than two years, across all sectors.
Local heats will take place across each of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, with hopefuls presenting their business idea in front of a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.
Heat winners will receive £1,000 investment and progress to the final, with an overall winner announced at a special event in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 18th November 2026.
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.
Subcategory 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’s Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes. Each winner will receive £1,500 towards their business idea.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said:
“Our local entrepreneurs are the driving force behind economic growth and innovation in our community.
“Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch offers not just funding, but invaluable support and exposure that can transform an idea into a successful business.
“I would strongly encourage anyone with a business idea to take that leap and apply before the deadline.”
Last year’s Ultimate Pitch winner was Sander Van Eck of Noord, who wowed judges with his innovative waterproof socks company.
Local heats will be held within council areas throughout the autumn. Applicants will also have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on how to make the ultimate pitch ahead of their regional heats.
The panel of judges will be drawn from across Northern Ireland’s business and civic communities, with the final taking place on Wednesday 18th November, coinciding with 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.
