Belfast entrepreneur makes ‘The Ultimate Pitch’

Winner of the local Belfast heat will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final

A business that works to improve the lives of working class men and boys has come out on top at the Belfast Ultimate Pitch heat, securing their place in the regional final next month.

Tiarnan McCarthy secured £1,000 in investment for his business Redefining the Alpha and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final in November where they’ll pitch for an additional £5,000 to grow their budding business.

The pitching competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service, Go Succeed.

Tiarnan set up Redefining the Alpha to create events where men could have honest conversations without judgement with workshops and programmes focused on self-leadership, physical wellbeing, emotional regulation, relationships and positive connection.

They were among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Belfast City Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Innovation Factory.

Among them was Jack O’Neill who received the Rising Star award, Inclusive Entrepreneurship award winner Maureen Spargo of KitDay, and Yusuf Mohamed Mohamud of Navero System too took home the Social Impact award.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Róis-Máire Donnell said:

“We’re incredibly proud of everyone who stepped forward to take part in the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch. Putting yourself and your business idea out there takes courage, and every entrant should be proud of reaching this stage.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part, and a huge congratulations to Tiernan on a fantastic achievement. We’re looking forward to seeing you take to the stage at the final in November!”

Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co. Derry on 18^th November.

The overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, will also receive a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.

Subcategory prizes will include the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur, and the Go Succeed People’s Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes. Each winner will receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.