Belfast Business Idea

Award 2023

The Belfast Business Idea Award

This competition is designed to unearth, recognise and help to fast track the best business ideas in Belfast. It is the strength of the idea that will be assessed rather than the achievements of the venture so far which means that those who have yet to set up a business have as much chance of winning as those who have already started trading.

Why

Applications for the 2023 Belfast Business Idea Award will be open from Friday 12th May and close at 3pm on Thursday 8th June 2023

The prize pool is outstanding and will make a real difference to early-stage businesses and those thinking of taking the next step with their idea. The overall winner will receive £2,500 cash plus a support package (below) worth over £3,000. The other four finalists will also receive this support package which includes:

> 1 year Innovation Factory membership (including an open plan co-working desk, access to masterclasses and on-site bespoke business mentoring)

> A complimentary place on a Business and Management or Marketing Short Course via the Open University.

> Six months free accountancy services (including software) from Pacem Accounting and Tax Advisory

> A 2 hr group mentoring session with Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder.

All Idea Award applicants will receive:

> A place on the ‘Create Catchy Content’ online video marketing masterclass on Thursday 1st June at 12noon. Register at: https://creatingcatchycontent.eventbrite.co.uk

> A VIP place at Finalist’s Night on Tuesday 20th June where they will hear from (and get to put their questions to) Belfast Born Entrepreneur, Alan Mahon, founder of the UK’s fastest growing beer brand in 2022, Brewgooder.

Who

You are eligible to apply if:

• You have a business idea but have not yet acted on it or you are in the process of starting-up.
• You are in business and have been trading for less than two years. Businesses showing sales income before 12/05/2021 are not eligible for the Idea Award.
• You reside within the Belfast City Council area or a have a business registered there.
• You are over 16 years of age (if aged 16-17 applicants must have parental approval).
• You are available to attend finalists’ night on the evening of Tuesday 20th June when the five winning ideas will be announced with each winner being given 120 seconds to pitch for the £2,500 cash prize.

How

To enter the Belfast Business Idea Award, please fill in the form by clicking the button below.

Please note: It will be the strength of the Idea that will be assessed rather than the quality/budget of the video submission so don’t let this put you off.

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.

There is no set structure for your video submission, it should be authentic to you and your idea. Your main aim should be to share why your business/idea is great and why it deserves to win. Remember, you only have 120 seconds, but some ideas for content could include:

> The origins of the idea/venture
> The main features of the idea/venture
> The potential for growth (where do you see your idea/venture in three years’ time?)
> How would winning the award help to progress your idea/venture?
> Realism: What are the main challenges and possible risks?
> 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 below, please contact Jessica Higginson jessica.higginson@podiem.com or call 028 9076 1030