Funding is part of a total prize pot of £1m to be given out by NatWest Group this year
Ulster Bank has launched a pitch competition to offer entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to win a share of funding to fuel their growth. This is part of a wider prize pot of £1m to be given out over a series of competitions across the UK this year and will make a dedicated £60,000 prize fund available to businesses registered in Northern Ireland.
To mark 10 years of the bank’s accelerator programme, Ulster Bank has launched its biggest ever cash prize and, to be in with a chance of winning, entrepreneurs are invited to submit a 60-second video pitch on their business and making the case for how a share of the £60,000 prize pot would help them grow their business.
Twelve of the best submissions will be selected to compete in a live semi-final event where they will deliver a live pitch and Q&A infront of a panel of judges from Ulster Bank and other partner organisations and also participate in an online voting process on the Belfast Telegraph website.
Four successful entrepreneurs will then be invited to participate in the final stage of the competition which will take place at this year’s Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, held in partnership with Ulster Bank on Wednesday 25 March.
The Ulster Bank Accelerator programme first opened its doors in Belfast in February 2016 and since then has supported over 1,500 small business to launch and scale. It has also encouraged entrepreneurs to access the practical tools, expert support, and likeminded community offered by the fully funded programme.
Gabi Burnside, Entrepreneur Acceleration Manager, Ulster Bank, said: “The live onstage pitch competition is one of the highlights of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards and a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a room full of business leaders and innovators.
“This year we are marking 10 years of Ulster Bank’s Accelerator programme so what better way to kick start the celebrations than by offering the biggest cash prize for entrepreneurs to date and revamping Ulster Bank Pitch.
“Supporting start-ups and small business growth is crucial to maintaining a strong economy so we hope this competition, and indeed our ongoing work with entrepreneurs, continues to fuel this growth.”
A shortlist of successful entrants will be profiled on the Belfast Telegraph website, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for who should go through to the semifinal event in March Here, 12 finalists will pitch their business and answer questions from a panel of local business and industry experts. They will be judged on their business models, innovative growth strategies, and the impact the prize money will have on their future success.
Gabi continued: “When making your pitch, keep it short and punchy and try not to be too modest. Tell us what makes your business special and how the prize fund will make a genuine difference to your growth. We need to hear about your USP so be authentic and try to let your personality shine through.
“It’s also important to think about production, you don’t need a film studio, but good lighting, clear sound, and a nicely framed shot will enhance your pitch. Be concise, stick to your most powerful points, rehearse and make every second count. This prize could really propel your business growth so give it your all and good luck!”
Entries can be uploaded at on the Belfast Telegraph website and must be submitted in either mp4 or mov formats. The entry platform is unable to accept files larger than 30mb and entries must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday February 6th.
To find out more about the Ulster Bank Accelerator programme, or to sign up for the NatWest Accelerator App, visit www.ulsterbank.co.uk/accelerator
Further information about Ulster Bank Pitch, including a full list of Ts & Cs is available will also be available on the Ulster Bank website.
