Entries are now open for the 2025 pitching contest at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank.
Taking place at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday May 1, the 2025 awards will once again feature the popular pitching contest which sees four local entrepreneurs battle it out on stage to win a substantial cash prize to boost their business.
Each successful shortlisted entrepreneur will have 60 seconds live on stage during the event to convince attendees why their business deserves to win the prize fund and follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Rory King, founder of Rory’s Travel Club.
After each entrepreneur has completed their pitch, the live audience will select a winner to receive a cash prize of £2,500 with the three runners up collecting £500 each.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a 60-second video business pitch via WhatsApp to 07841 100025 by 5pm on Friday April 11. Anything recorded beyond the 60-second limit will not be judged.
So what makes a successful business pitch?
Erin Allison, entrepreneur acceleration manager at Ulster Bank
Erin Allison, entrepreneur acceleration manager at Ulster Bank says pitching is an important skill to craft for any entrepreneurs.
“A successful pitch can be the key to unlocking investment or securing growth opportunities so it’s an important skill to develop. Within the Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator, we spend a lot of time coaching members on how to deliver a memorable pitch.
“The stakes are usually high so of course it is natural to find the experience stressful but with enough practice and belief in what you’re asking for, you should be able to keep the nerves at bay.
“Think of a pitch like a trailer for a film. You want to create a story which engages your audience and leave them wanting to find out more about who you are and what you do. Try not to over-complicate your pitch and remember you need buy in from your audience within the first 10 or 12 seconds.
“Quite often entrepreneurs spend too much time focusing on the problem and don’t tell an audience the other bits that matter. When you’ve only got one minute it’s tight so make sure if you do nothing else you describe the problem and the solution.”
Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank
The awards are sponsored by Ulster Bank
Erin also gives some useful advice on how to prepare for the pitch delivery. “Entrants should write down their pitch to start with and aim for 120 — 150 words. Try to show your personality and tell the story as this will inspire your audience and help you to stand out from the crowd.
“I always recommend pitchers avoid using industry-specific jargon or overly complicated language. It’s much better to keep things simple. Ask yourself, would an eight-year-old understand this message? If not, then look to revise your language.
“Practice definitely makes perfect,” Erin continues, “not just in your head but out loud, in front of the mirror, in the car, in the shower or whenever you have a free minute.
“Try involving your family or friends as this will make you more comfortable speaking in front of a live audience.
“Finally, relax. Be yourself and show confidence — if you don’t believe in your business, why would anyone else?”
Entries for the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards are open until March 21. To apply, go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessawards/enter