22 Under 22: Entrepreneurs to watch in Belfast

What is 22 Under 22?

The 22 Under 22 programme is designed to unearth, recognise, and elevate 22 exceptional potential young Belfast entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Danske Bank, Pacem Accounting and Tax, Herbert Smith Freehills, Innovation Factory, and Go Succeed, the programme will help develop your practical business skills, through workshops, access to top class entrepreneurial speakers, introduction to a new network, and the chance of a £2,000 cash boost.

Closing date for 22 Under 22

Applications close on Monday 4 November 2024 at 12 noon. Successful applicants will be notified on Thursday 7 November 2024 by 4pm.

Workshops will take place on:

• Thursday 14 November, 1pm to 5pm
• Wednesday 20 November, 1pm to 5pm
• Thursday 5 December, 2.30pm to 5.30pm followed by ‘pitch night’ from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Who can take part in 22 Under 22?

You are eligible to apply if:

• You or your business have a Belfast City Council postcode.
• You have a business that is currently trading, or is on course to be trading within the next 12 months (by 31 October 2025).
• You are at least 16 years old when applications open on 14 October 2024 and not older than 22 by completion of the programme on 5 December 2024.
• You are available to attend three half-day workshops between November and December 2024. We will provide final dates and times on confirmation of a place.

Why?

Each participant on 22 Under 22 will secure:

• a place at three action-orientated workshops,
• direct, in-person access to world-class entrepreneurial speakers,
• direct, in-person access to local entrepreneurs who have the real-life experience and the t-shirt,
• support to create a proven playbook designed to deliver instant momentum for your idea or venture,
• a network of 21 other exceptional potential entrepreneurs,
• invaluable profile as one of Belfast’s “entrepreneurs to watch” in 2024; and
• the chance of a £2,000 cash boost.

How to enter 22 Under 22

It is free to take part in 22 Under 22. Before you register your interest, you should read 22 Under 22 privacy notice (link opens in new window).

To register your interest, email [email protected] and provide:

• your name
• a Belfast address (business or personal)
• your business name or business idea
• a few sentences about your business or business idea (maximum 500 words)
• date when the business started trading or date when you think the business will begin trading.

If you have a query, email [email protected] or call 028 9076 1030.