Belfast Business Idea Award 2023

This competition is designed to unearth, recognise and help fast track the best business ideas in Belfast

Belfast City Council has launched the Belfast Business Idea Award 2023.

The 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.

Eligibility

Participants are eligible to apply if they:

• have a business idea but have not yet acted on it or are in the process of starting up
• are in business and have been trading for less than two years - businesses showing sales income before 12 May 2021 are not eligible for the award
• reside within the Belfast City Council area or a have a business registered there
• are over 16 years of age (aged 16 to 17 applicants must have parental approval)

Award details

The overall winner will receive £2,500 cash plus a support package worth over £3,000.

The other four finalists will also receive this support package which includes:

• one 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 two-hour group mentoring session with Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder

How to enter

The submission process is divided into two steps:

Step 1: Fill in your details via the application form.
Step 2: Once you have filled in your details you will be prompted to upload a video submission.

It will be the strength of the idea that will be assessed rather than the quality/budget of the video submission.

Free online workshop

Belfast City Council is also running a Creating Catchy Content Video Marketing Masterclass on Thursday 1 June 2023, to provide a toolkit of video creation techniques designed to create interest, intrigue and impact for their idea/venture.

The workshop will also provide attendees with practical tips for creating their video submission.

Find out more and apply for the Belfast Business Idea Award 2023.

First published 19 May 2023