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Entrepreneurs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have been given extra time to enter this year's Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch competition, with the chance to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea. The deadline for entries has now been extended to Friday 21 August at 12 noon.
The competition is open to pre-trading and newly established businesses that have been operating for less than two years, from all sectors. Local heats will be held in each of Northern Ireland's 11 council areas, with the Newry, Mourne and Down heat taking place in autumn. Hopefuls will present their business idea to a panel of judges drawn from Northern Ireland's business and civic communities.
Last year's Newry, Mourne and Down winner was Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad of Balantra, who secured a place in the final with nutrition sachets designed to blend into drinks, foods and daily routines. Ruchira went on to win the People's Choice Award after receiving the most public votes for her final pitch.
Heat winners this year will each receive £1,000 investment and progress to the final, where an overall winner will be announced at a special event at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 18 November 2026, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week. Last year's overall Ultimate Pitch winner was Sander Van Eck of Noord, whose waterproof socks business impressed judges.
The overall winner of this year's Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award will receive a prize package including a photography session from Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session from Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters and a media training session from LK Communications. Subcategory awards will also be presented, including the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award and the Go Succeed People's Choice Award, with each of those winners receiving £1,500 towards their business idea.
Applicants will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on pitching ahead of their regional heats.
The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 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."
Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland's 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with advice including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning at every stage of their growth journey. Full terms and conditions and details of how to apply are available at www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.
