Competition launched for Waterford entrepreneurs with prizes for best business idea

A call-out has been issued to those with a new innovative idea or who have recently started a business in Waterford! 

‘Pitch Perfect' is a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) competition for start-ups and is offering both cash and industry prizes for entrepreneurs who have the best pitch. 

LEO, South East Technological University’s (SETU) Xcelerate Centre and Boxworks co-working space have joined forces to deliver this competition for those with a business idea or who are already in a business that is trading less than 18 months.

Former winners include Clare Mansfield with Flowering Fertility Support, Praveen Kaur, founder of Uoto and Michael Power, founder of Greenfeed. 

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The programme invites the public to apply under two categories: Best business idea and best start-up business. 

Successful applicants will then be selected for a bootcamp, where participants will be guided through the initial stages of developing their idea or business. They will then fine tune their pitch before presenting to the judges who will select the top pitches, with prize winners announced on the day. 

The bootcamp will be delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy for free to a limited number of participants over the course of two Saturdays, May 16 and 23. Spaces are limited and those interested are invited to complete an expression of interest to be part of the event. 

This programme is only open to individuals based in Waterford or those who intend to establish and register a business in the county. 

On day one of the programme, trainers will work with participants to review their idea, choose the correct business model, investigate market trends, plan the route to market and develop a business pitch. Participants will fine tune their pitch on day two before presenting to the judges. 

The bootcamp and pitching will take place at Boxworks, Waterford’s co-working space for tech and creative industries, also acting as a hub for smart-thinking entrepreneurs, start-ups and ambitious small businesses. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with the SETU Xcelerate Centre at the West Campus in Carriganore. This is a hub for some of the region’s most innovative digital technology companies, where they will gain valuable access to expertise, insights and potential connections within the ecosystem. 

Spaces are limited and those interested are invited to complete an expression of interest to be part of the event before 5pm on May 6. 

Apply now: https://submit.link/4Qp