22U22 is designed to unearth, recognise, fastrack and elevate 22 exceptional potential young entrepreneurs in Belfast. It will take the form of a development sprint that will feature action-orientated workshops, top class entrepreneurial speakers, a proven playbook, a new network, invaluable profile and the chance of a £2k cash injection.
22 Under 22:
Entrepreneurs to Watch in Belfast
22 Under 22
When
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 8th October. Successful applicants will be notified on October 10th and the provisional dates for the workshops are Thursday 24th October (1pm-5pm), Thursday 14th November (1pm-5pm) and Thursday 5th December, which will conclude with pitch night (2.30pm-5.30pm).
Who
You are eligible to apply if:
> You or your business have a Belfast City Council postcode.
> You have a business that is currently trading or is on course to be trading within the next 12 months (by 31st October 2025).
> You are at least 16 years old when applications open on 23rd September 2024 and no older than 22 by completion of the programme on the 5th December 2024.
> You are available to attend up to 3 half day workshops between October and December 2024. Final dates and times will be provided on confirmation of place.
Why
Each participant on 22U22 will secure:
> A place at three action-orientated workshops
> Direct, in-person access to world-class entrepreneurial speakers
> Direct, in-person access to local entrepreneurs who have the scars and the t-shirt
> Support to create a proven playbook designed to deliver instant momentum for your idea or venture
> A new network of 21 other exceptional potential entrepreneurs
> Invaluable profile as one of Belfast’s “entrepreneurs to watch” in 2024
> The chance of a £2k cash injection.
How
To enter 22U22, please fill in the form by clicking the button below. The submission process is divided into two steps:
Step 1: Fill in your details via the application form below
Step 2: Once you have filled in your details you will be prompted to upload your video submission. Note – this should be no longer than 3 minutes.
Shortlisting will be based on your video submission, it should be authentic to you as an entrepreneur and your idea or venture and can range from you speaking to your phone/laptop to a TikTok, Instagram reel or even PowerPoint video. The production element will not be judged, your main aim should be to share why you and your business/idea should secure a place as one of the 22 Under 22 Entrepreneurs to Watch in Belfast in 2024. Shortlisting will be based on the following criteria. Remember, you have a maximum of 3 minutes (180 seconds)!
> What makes you an entrepreneur to watch? This might include your own backstory, motivations, interests and ambitions.
> The origins of the idea/venture including the reason/s ‘why’ you have created it.
> The main features of the idea/venture.
> The target market and the ability of you / your venture to penetrate that market.
> Where do you see yourself and your venture in 5 years’ time?
> Why are you confident that you will be trading in the next 12 months (if not already)?
> Realism: What are the main challenges and possible risks facing your idea/venture?
> How would securing a place on 22U22 help you on your entrepreneurial journey?
> Anything else that you think would be of interest to the judging panel.
Should you experience any difficulty in uploading your video via the online form, please contact Emily Keenan on Emily.Keenan@podiem.com or call 028 9076 1030.
Please ensure your video file is named appropriately including your entrant & business/idea name.
