Moria based entrepreneur makes ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ with innovative pollution solution

Winner of the local Lisburn & Castlereagh heat will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final

A Moria-based entrepreneur has wowed judges at the local Lisburn & Castlereagh Ultimate Pitch heat, securing a place in the regional final with an innovative biotechnology solution designed to tackle pollution, unpleasant odours and the slow breakdown of organic waste across farms, septic tanks, food businesses and rural homes.

Clem Fitzgerald secured £1,000 in investment for their business idea, Eco Balance, 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.

After recognising the need for practical, affordable ways to tackle waste, odour and pollution, Clem discovered Microbe-Lift® biotechnology, which uses beneficial organisms to support the natural breakdown of organic waste. Through Eco Balance, Clem provides natural solutions that integrate with existing systems, helping farmers, rural households with septic tanks and food manufacturers improve waste management without the need for significant capital investment.

They were among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, held in the Civic Centre at Lagan Valley Island in Lisburn.

Among them was Stephanie McKittrick who won the Inclusive Entrepreneurship award for her botanical wellness brand, Rapha Organics, which creates migraine-brain-friendly skincare and supplements after she suffered years of migraines and eighteen brain surgeries.

Alderman James Baird, Regeneration and Growth Chair at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said:

“Big ideas, ambitious entrepreneurs and plenty of impressive pitches made for a fantastic local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part and a big congratulations to Clem whose pitch has earned them a place in the final this November.

“We’re excited to see where this opportunity takes 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, 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.