Derry entrepreneurs battle to make ‘The Ultimate Pitch’

Ten entrepreneurs from across the Derry City and Strabane district have made the local shortlist and will battle it out to make ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ in a bid to win investment for their business idea.

The winner of the local heat, taking place on October 27 at the Playhouse will secure £1,000 and progress to the regional final in November where they’ll be in with the chance to capture another £5,000 for the overall winner.

The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.

Finalists in the Derry City and Strabane district include Chea O'Neill of Digi Barn, an automation company focused on agriculture; Grainne McLaughlin from Turas Crafts; Nomathamsanqa Tholo of Cultural Staffing Solutions; and Conor Strawbridge from Eco Bug Farm which turns food waste into insect protein and oil for animal feed.

Others include Jack Sayers who has developed health and safety wearable Vibrotect; Jordan Armstrong of OG Hill Farm Woodwork; and Dana Ann Doherty who runs a yoga and movement space.

They are joined by Mary Blake who has developed a personal archive platform SeeMe; Jennifer Smyth of Jenn’s Gym, and Jill Hyndman from sustainable streetwear brand Factory Ireland.

Councillor Ruairí McHugh, Mayor, Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Many congratulations to all those that have made the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch. The incredible number of entries from across the Derry City and Strabane district illustrates the depth of entrepreneurial talent locally and shows just what an achievement it is to have been shortlisted.

“We wish the very best of luck to all finalists, and to all those entrepreneurs that took the time to enter. The future of our local economy is obviously in very safe hands.”

Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co. Derry on November 19.

The overall winner at the regional final 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 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, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

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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.

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.