Derry City and Strabane District Council host Start-up launch pad competition

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.

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The competition is designed for local start-ups to take the next step on their journey to success with support, 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 and workshops.

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Eligibility for the competition includes:

• 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.

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

Source: Written from press release