Belfast’s next generation of business leaders took centre stage at Danske Bank on Tuesday night, pitching their business ideas before judges at the finale of the ‘Young Entrepreneurs to Watch’ initiative.
Belfast City Council supports the three-month programme, which is designed to spotlight and fast-track young entrepreneurial talent through action-driven workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly welcomed the entrepreneurs to the event, saying:
READ MORE: Danske Bank named as the top company to work for in Northern Ireland
“I have been so impressed by the creativity and drive of the young entrepreneurs involved in this programme and am truly impressed by their business ideas.”
“Supporting young people and helping local businesses thrive is a major focus of the Belfast Agenda - and programmes like this one show exactly why. These young people represent the innovation, energy and confidence that will drive our city’s growth and make it a world-class competitor for investment.”
Age is no barrier to ambition or innovation. I have no doubt that Belfast’s business future is in great hands.”
Leading business figures Greg Bradley (BLK BOX), Alice Thompson (Social Bite), and Dave Linton (MadLug) took part in the programme to offer advice and inspiration to participants. Real-world business experience and expertise was also shared by programme partners Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Pacem Advisory and Danske Bank.
At the finale event, participants pitched their business idea to a panel of expert judges in the hopes of winning a £2,000 cash prize.
In a competitive and creative year, the top spot was awarded to Max Loebnau, who pitched pressure-washing business ‘Pressure Perfect’.
“It’s a surreal feeling to win – I am so grateful to all the people who made this night possible.
My business has some heavy capital costs to provide roof cleaning, so the prize money will all be going to getting equipment and possibly a van too.
The programme taught me that business is about more than just profit, the social enterprises we heard from showed me that my business can have purpose, and my services will be environmentally friendly.”
For more information on the range of free support available for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business.
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