Pacem was delighted to, once again, support the Belfast Business Idea Award 2021. The Idea Award, supported by Belfast City Council, Danske Bank, Pacem, Enterprise NI and Innovation Factory, differs from other awards in that it is the strength of the idea that is assessed, rather than the achievements of the venture so far. The competition is designed to unearth, recognise and help to fast track the best business ideas in Belfast and means that people who have yet to set up a business have as much chance of winning as those who have already started to trade successfully.
For the first time, the 2021 Belfast Business Idea Award was open for ‘Video Entries’ and applicants sent their submissions electronically to be judged by an independent panel. Each applicant had 120 seconds to explain why their business/idea is great and why they should win the competition.
Speaking at the judging day, Daniel Glover, MD at Pacem spoke of his support of the initiative;
“We are delighted to support the Belfast Business Idea Award again this year and we have been extremely impressed and enthused at the quality of submissions received. It has been difficult to shortlist to five winners today, and there was much deliberation and discussion within the judging panel, which is a testament to the calibre of entries received. Belfast has a great entrepreneurial spirit, and we are thrilled to do our bit to help early-stage businesses flourish in Belfast. It is great to be able to share our experience and financial expertise to new entrepreneurs who are setting out.”
The competition seen entries received from a diverse range of applicants across Belfast with the five shortlisted winners announced at the finalist’s night which took place on 22nd June 2021. On the night, the five winners each had to pitch for 120 seconds and explain why they think their business/idea should win the overall prize; a cash injection of £2,500 to help their business grow. The overall winner was decided live on the night via public vote. Each of the five winners also received an impressive support package worth over £3,000 which includes:
- Six months free accountancy services (including software) from Pacem Accounting and Tax Advisory
- 1 year Innovation Factory membership (including an open plan co-working desk, access to masterclasses and on-site bespoke business mentoring)
- 1 year membership of the ENI Plus online resource
The 2021 Belfast Business Idea Award Winners announced at the finalist’s night on 22nd June were:
- Network Fit – Overall Winner
- Tsang Sauce
- Hearty Growers
- Baby Fresh UK
- Linc Technology
All finalists present on the night also had the opportunity to hear from, and put questions to, three of NI’s most successful entrepreneurs and founders of, BLK BOX, Bperfect Cosmetics and Suki Tea, gaining some welcome advice from those who started in a spare room in Belfast and have gone on to compete, and win, on a global scale.
Speaking at the finalist’s night, Daniel commended all applicants and expressed his enthusiasm towards working with the winners,
“We are looking forward to working alongside the newly crowned winners of the 2021 Belfast Business Idea Award by providing six months free accountancy services. We love helping new businesses develop and grow and to play a part in their journey is a real privilege. We can’t wait to see what is in store for these blossoming businesses and predict great things ahead – watch this space”.
