An app to improve your golf swing, a tool for improving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and even a platform to find the best pint of stout – just some of the business ideas that will go head to head for investment at the final of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch later this month.
Entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland, representing each council area, will make one final pitch to a panel of expert judges for the chance to secure £5,000 in investment for their business – having already captured £1,000 by winning their local heat.
The final of the competition, organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed, will take place in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 18th November.
Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch
Members of the public also have the chance to vote for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award.
The 11 finalists that will each make a five-minute pitch in the final, include Haris Ali of CarerCore, a technology enabled care provider that connects families with trusted local carers; Padraic Little who is developing SEAG Quest, an app to add a fun and engaging layer to transfer test preparation; and Adam Lockhart whose business ParkinSense uses digital technology to improve the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s.
Others include Tiarnan McCarthym, founder of Redefining the Alpha which works to improve the lives of working class men and boys; Sharon Gault of Kingsbarn Farm, which rears grass fed additive free meat; Tyrone McCullagh of Stout N’ About, an app that allows users to discover new pubs and rate pints of stout; and Lorraine Browne who is developing an AI-powered consultation platform Belleverita for aesthetic clinics.
Finally, they’ll be joined by Clem Fitzgerald of Eco Balance which aims to use technology to tackle pollution; Siobhan Kearney whose business Menopause ChangeMaker®, helps companies support employees experiencing menopause; Oliver Woodward who is developing an app SwingSight to analyse and improve users’ golf swings; and Ben O’Connor whose business FarmFlow aims to digitise and streamline agricultural tasks.
Alderman James Baird, Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, said: “The Ultimate Pitch showcases the ambition, creativity and entrepreneurial talent we have right across Northern Ireland. The 11 finalists have already impressed by winning their local heats, and each has a compelling business idea with the potential to make a real difference, whether through innovation, addressing an unmet need or creating new opportunities in their communities.
“Go Succeed is all about helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas and ambitions into reality, providing practical advice, mentoring and support to help businesses start, grow and scale. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that journey, give these entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their ideas and provide further investment to help the overall winner take their business forward.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting final and would encourage the public to get involved by voting for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award.”
Entrepreneurs will pitch to a panel of judges which includes Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI; Christopher Morrow, Northern Ireland Chamber; Kevin O’Reilly, Toastmasters; and Laura Murphy, Oatco, who secured investment on BBC’s Dragons’ Den earlier this year.
The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring young entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.
Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.
