Portglenone entrepreneur makes ‘The Ultimate Pitch’ Final

Winner of the local Mid and East Antrim heat will progress to Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch Final

A Portglenone-based entrepreneur has wowed judges at the Mid and East Antrim Ultimate Pitch final in Larne Town Hall, securing their place in the regional final with their business that helps companies support employees experiencing menopause.

Siobhan Kearney secured £1,000 in investment for their business Menopause ChangeMaker®, 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.

ChangeMaker® provides employers with evidence-based training, practical resources and consultancy, enabling organisations to build more supportive, productive workplaces while retaining valuable experience and skills.

Siobhan was among 10 entrepreneurs from across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area to pitch at the local heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

Among them was Aisling Willighan who won the Rising Star award for her business Hearth & Paper which supplies a range of carefully curated stationary and paper goods. Meanwhile, Jeanette Hanna received the Inclusive Entrepreneurship award after she created Aspire, a day opportunities service for young adults with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said:

“We are tremendously proud of all those who both submitted an entry and made it to the local heat final. Taking the first step in entrepreneurship requires courage, determination and belief in an idea, and every participant showcased impressive creativity and potential. We are delighted to be part of the Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch programme, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to share their ideas, build confidence and inspire others. The quality of pitches on display from Mid and East Antrim highlights the strength of entrepreneurial talent across our community.

“Congratulations to all who took part, and to Siobhan Kearney, what an achievement! We can’t wait to see you pitch 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.