Derry City and Strabane District Council is excited to partner with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Strabane BID, Inner City Trust, Hyperfast NI and University of Ulster 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 Northwest will have the opportunity to take the stage in front of industry experts, high-profile media, and creatives from across Northern Ireland.

Take the next step on your journey to success with the support of the Start Up Launch Pad Pitching Competition, designed to assist and inspire local budding entrepreneurs to grow their business idea. The Start Up Launch Pad Pitch Competition is delivered as part of Enterprise Week 2023 with a Live Pitching event held on Wednesday 8th March 2023 for shortlisted applicants.

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.

For further information on Enterprise Week visit www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek

PITCHING CATEGORIES AND PRIZE FUNDS

Seed Funding Open Competion Prize Fund
1st Prize £1500 grant plus in kind support including Start Up Launch Pad Incubation Hub, Mentoring and Chamber Membership valued at £5000
2nd Prize £1000 
3rd Prize £500  
 Strabane Business Improvement District (BID) Closed competition Open to business in the Strabane BID area see Application Guidelines for eligibility
1st Prize£1500 grant plus in-kind support including Strabane BID Start Up Launch marketing support and Business Mentoring
2nd Prize £1000
3rd Prize £500 
 Special Category awards 
Social Impact Award £1000
Youth Entreprenuer Award£500  
Student Entrepreuer Award £500
Welcome Home Award £1000 

*Please read the application guideline in full prior to commencing the application process.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be residents in Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
  • Applicants must be Pre-trading or a New Start business trading less than 2 years on 31st March 2023, within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
  • For further eligibility requirements see Application Guidelines Notes
  • The process is administered online, applicants must register on the Grant Aid Site at https://dcsdc.smapply.org/  

Closing date for applications is Monday 6th February 2023 at 12 noon.

Links and Downloads

Click here to download the Application Guidelines Notes

Click here to Apply to the Start Up Launch Pad Pitching Competition.

Click here to speak with one of our Business Advisors.

Questions & Technical Issues

If you experience technical difficulties with the online application process, please email the team. Emails will be answered during regular office hours only, we aim to answer all queries within 24 hours. All questions about the application process must be submitted on or before January 27th

All submitted questions will be answered and published on or before February 3rd please email businesssupport@derrystrabane.com or call on 028 71253253

Accessibility

If you require the application to be made available in an alternative format or additional support with the online application process, please email businesssupport@derrystrabane.com or call on 028 71253253