CarerCore makes ‘The Ultimate Pitch’

Winner of the local Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon heat will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final

A technology enabled care provider that connects families with trusted local carers has wowed the judges at the local Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Ultimate Pitch heat, securing their place in the regional final next month.

Co-founders Haris Ali and Asad Riaz secured £1,000 in investment for their business CarerCore 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.

CarerCore combines compassionate, regulated care with technology, making it easier for families to access trusted local carers while the business manages recruitment, compliance, scheduling and quality.

The platform allows families to book specific carers to look after their loved ones when needed.

They were among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Portadown Town Hall.

Among them was Victoria Cartmill who won the Inclusive Entrepreneurship category for her business Invisi Wellness which is developing a tasteless multivitamin supplement for children that dislike or refuse traditional vitamins.

Meanwhile, Shannon Dharmaratne whose business Teddycare creates representative teddies that empower children with disabilities to feel seen, received the Rising Star award.

Alderman Lavelle McIlwrath, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, said:

“Every business has a story and Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to share theirs.

“It was fantastic to see so many local businesses and budding entrepreneurs put themselves forward for the local heat. Congratulations to everyone involved, and a special well done to CarerCore, who impressed our judges to take the win.

“I wish you every success at the final in November – the Borough is behind you!”

Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils will progress to The Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy 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.