Entrepreneurs from across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area are being invited to write the next chapter of their business story, as Go Succeed’s Ultimate Pitch, which is returning for a second year.
The local Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council local heat will take place on Wednesday 22nd October with entrants making the ‘ultimate pitch’ to an esteemed panel of expert judges.
Launched at the literary home of one of Ireland’s most celebrated storytellers, Seamus Heaney Go Succeed’s: The Ultimate Pitch is providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.
Started in 2024 by the government-backed enterprise support service, this competition is open to individuals, businesses, and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes and in every sector.
The regional final of heat winners from all 11 councils will take place on Wednesday 19th November at a special event in Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy and will be celebrated as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025.
Last year’s Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s winner was Emma Stephenson of M-Power. Emma secured a spot in the final after pitching their idea for an App to help identify and manage symptoms associated with menopause to a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.
Emma also won the overall Rising Star award for the most inspiring 16- to 25-year-old entrepreneur at the Northern Ireland wide final.
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said: “At Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, we are committed to building and maintaining an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages and supports entrepreneurs from all sectors at any stage of their business journey.
“Last year’s Ultimate Pitch competition had an invaluable impact on the local community - it motivated, inspired, and pushed our local entrepreneurs to take their business idea to the next level. The confidence, networking, and pitching skills which each individual gained are essential skills for every entrepreneur, and on top of that – it was great fun too!
“Whether you are just starting out or already have an established business that is planning to launch a new product or service, we would love to hear from you.”
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.
Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist to win the People’s Choice Award.
Entrants have until 18th August to apply to the competition, with local heats being 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.
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.