We are thrilled to be partnering with Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of this year’s Start Up Launch Pad North West! The competition sees Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Strabane BID, Inner City Trust, Hyperfast NI and Ulster University partner together to invite people from across the North West, to apply to participate in a Dragons’ Den Competition.

Early-stage start-ups from across the council area will have the opportunity to compete for their share of the £15k prize fund. Start-ups from the North West will have the opportunity to take the stage in front of industry experts, high-profile media, and creatives from across Northern Ireland.

The Start Up Launch Pad Pitching Competition is a fantastic opportunity for start-ups who are ready to take the next step on their journey to success. The competition has been designed to assist and inspire local budding entrepreneurs to grow their business ideas into become a part of the vital, dynamic business community in the North West.

The competition is delivered as apart of Derry-Strabane Enterprise Week 2023 which runs from 6-10 March 2023. Enterprise Week celebrates the rich fabric of social, cultural and enterprise development in the North West. The theme of this year’s Enterprise Week is ‘Seeds of Change’ and places a special focus on the Micro-Businesses and SMEs in the North West.

The Start Up Launch Pad Pitch Competition will support individuals to develop their pitching skills and grow their business. The programme offers several exciting opportunities, including:

  • Access to the Start Up Launch Pad Incubation hub in Derry supported by Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. Providing the Seed Funding First Prize Winner with high quality office space, access to high-speed broadband/ IT Support and access to meeting and conference facilities.
  • Successful candidates will be awarded a business grant up to purchase items to support business development such as marketing materials, equipment, rent or training to assist them in their venture.
  • One to one mentoring support from leading figures across a range of industries, as well as a series of Pitching masterclasses workshops

1st Prize in the Seed Funding Open Competition a £1500 grant plus in-kind support including Start UP Launch Pad Incubation Hub, mentoring, and membership to the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. There is an information session with Maria McKeever, Business Officer at The Derry City and Strabane District Council today, February 3 at 2pm. This is an opportunity to ask any further questions applications have about the process and competition.

Closing date 10th February

Further Information
Apply now