Carrickfergus-based business makes the ‘Ultimate Pitch’ in local heat

Carrickfergus-based company, WearMatter, wins local heat of Go Succeed competition to secure place in final with £5,000 investment up for grabs

Local Carrickfergus company WearMatter has won the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council local heat of Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch, earning a place in the grand final next month.

Founder Gemma McAllister will now be in with a chance of taking home £5,000 in investment for their business idea in the competition, organised by Go Succeed, the government-backed business support service.

Launched last year, WearMatter is an adaptive clothing brand producing garments for people with disabilities.

To earn a place in the final, Gemma made the ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of three judges from across the business and civic communities coming out on top ahead of hundreds of other entrants.

Other winners included Hayley Millar, whose business College Community Shop at the Northern Regional College in Ballymena was chosen as the best social enterprise and Kirstine Boyd of ExpectationsMet who won the local inclusive entrepreneurship category.

The local heats are taking place in each of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas every week throughout October and November. The local winners will progress to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The public will also have their say as the 11 Ultimate Pitch finalists will also be in the running to win the ‘People’s Choice Award’ which gives them the chance to vote for their favourite pitch via Go Succeed’s social media channels.

Alderman Beth Adger MBE, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said:

“We are incredibly proud to see local businesses like WearMatter thrive in initiatives such as Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch. This competition showcases the innovation and determination of entrepreneurs in our borough, and we are delighted to support Gemma as she progresses to the final.

“At Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, we are committed to fostering an environment where businesses of all sizes and sectors can grow, and we wish WearMatter and Gemma every success as they continue their exciting journey.”

In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, individual prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur.

As well as the financial award, winners will receive a package of support including marketing and other business support services.

The final will take place in Innovation Factory, Belfast on 21^st November.

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, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.