Entrepreneurs across Mid and East Antrim called to write themselves into Northern Ireland’s business

Monday 28 July 2025

Entrepreneurs from across the Mid and East Antrim area are being invited to write the next chapter of their business story, as Go Succeed’s Ultimate Pitch launched at the literary home of one of Ireland’s most celebrated storytellers, Seamus Heaney.

Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch is returning for a second year, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.

The competition, first launched in 2024 by the government-backed enterprise support service, is open to individuals, businesses, and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes and in every sector.

The local Mid and East Antrim Borough Council heat will take place on Friday 17th October with entrants making the ‘ultimate pitch’ to an esteemed panel of expert judges.

The winner will progress to a region-wide final, joined by heat winners across all 11 councils in Northern Ireland, with an overall winner announced at a special event in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.

Last year’s Mid and East Antrim Borough council winner was Gemma McAllister of WearMatter who secured a spot in the final after pitching their adaptive clothing brand producing garments for people with disabilities to a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.

Gemma also went on to secure the overall Ultimate Pitch Award at the Northern Ireland-wide final.

Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said:

“At Mid and East Antrim Borough 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.”

Reflecting on the experience, Gemma said:

“Winning The Ultimate Pitch was a huge moment for me – not just for the investment, but for the exposure and belief it gave me in my business. The support from Go Succeed helped me to take my business to the next level, and I’d encourage anyone with a business dream to go for it. You never know where your pitch might take 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.

The panel of judges will be drawn from across Northern Ireland’s business and civic communities, with the final taking place on Wednesday 19th November, during 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.

To find out more about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view the full terms and conditions, and apply, visit: www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.