Entrepreneurs in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area have had the chance to secure up to £5,000 in investment for their business ideas with Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch. This new initiative is aimed at individuals, businesses, and social enterprises across all sectors that have been trading for less than two years.

Contestants had the opportunity to present their ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of experienced judges, all vying for a spot in the next round of the competition. Local heats have been taking place across Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, with the local heat winners then progressing to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in Belfast in November.

Derry Chamber were proud to be closely involved with this initiative, with our CEO Anna Doherty sitting on the judging panel that selected Jared Wilson, owner of Cricket Jobs, as the Overall Winner for the Derry & Strabane Heat. Cricket Jobs is a recruitment platform dedicated to the cricket industry. It helps connect professionals seeking employment with clubs and organisations looking for talent. Jared not only picked up the £1,000 prize for the Derry & Strabane Heat, but we are also delighted to have awarded Jared a year’s hot desk space and 12 months’ membership of Derry Chamber of Commerce, providing him with the vital networking opportunities and resources to help his business grow.

The subcategory winners were announced as ‘Rising Star’ Clare Hamilton from The Influencer Hub, ‘Social Inclusion’ winner Alannah Kerrigan of Wildflower Weddings, and ‘Social Enterprise’ awardee Caroline McGinness Brooks from Repair & Share Foyle.

 Anna Doherty with her fellow judges at The Ultimate Pitch

Chamber Chief Executive Anna Doherty said:

“We know there are so many people in our City and District who have really unique and innovative business ideas and it was fantastic to see them put their ideas forward at the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award. This is the perfect platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and the prize package on offer could help transform an amazing idea into a reality.

“This is also a great opportunity for people to support these entrepreneurs as they make their pitch. This was a very interesting event, and it was brilliant to see people coming along to support to the pitchers. I am sure those in attendance picked up some great ideas and the people in the room made new business connections too, which is what events like this are all about.”

Overall Winner, Derry Strabane Heat, Jared Wilson, Cricket Jobs Ltd with Danielle McNally, DCSDC

Jared, as the Overall Winner, and the subcategory winners will now progress to the Northern Ireland-wide finals of the competition. We want to extend our full support and admiration for their hard work, creativity, and determination. The passion and innovative ideas of Jared and the subcategory winners showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our local business community in the North West so vibrant and inspiring.

We extend our wishes for the very best of luck to our local entrepreneurs taking part – the whole community will be cheering you on.