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

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

Local Fermanagh company Embark Protein has won the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council local heat of Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch, earning a place in the grand final next month.

Founder Matthew Rainey, who was awarded £1,000 for the local heat win, will now be in with a chance of taking home a further £5,000 in investment for her business idea in the competition, organised by Go Succeed.

Matthew’s business idea surfaced when he shifted from strength-based rugby training to a hybrid regimen combining endurance and strength for a triathlon. Needing a convenient, tasty snack to support this, he found most health bars were either natural with no protein or high protein but processed. Consequently, Matthew founded Embark Protein, Award-Winning Great Taste producer of protein bars handcrafted on the lough shores of Fermanagh.

To earn a place in the final, Matthew made the ‘Ultimate Pitch’ to a panel of judges from across the business and civic communities.

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.

Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Elaine Brough said:

“At Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures growth for businesses of all sizes and industries.

“For this reason, we are extremely proud to see local businesses like Embark Protein excel in initiatives like Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch. This competition highlights the creativity and perseverance of entrepreneurs within our district. We extend our best wishes to Matthew as he moves forward to the regional final in November and to all the businesses who participated in the pitch.”

In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, special category prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award, 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 2024.

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, at every stage of their growth journey, with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, masterclasses, peer support networks, access to grant funding and a business plan.