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Date: 30 Apr 2025
Local entrepreneurs have come together in Belfast this week to mark the end of an innovative programme to develop businesses focused on planet and purpose.
Cultivate, funded by Belfast City Council, saw 13 participants put their eco ideas to the test at hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions designed to grow and scale their concepts and maximise the potential positive impact for communities and the wider city.
Three businesses have also secured funding of £2,500 each to further develop their ventures, following a pitch competition hosted by sponsors Herbert Smith Freehills.
They include KitchenSync, an app to cut food waste and encourage meal planning, Mude Adaptive Clothing, providing sustainable solutions for those who wear medical devices and Agri Navi Tech which uses GPS technology to keep livestock safe on farms.
Speaking at the Cultivate finale, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said, “Supporting local businesses to thrive, making life easier for all our residents and protecting the environment are all key commitments in the Belfast Agenda – our city’s community plan.
“The Cultivate programme has been a great way to nurture the entrepreneurial talent in our city whose ideas and ventures are crucial in developing our communities, our environment and our future growth.
“Reducing emissions and improving sustainability are both areas of high business growth and today’s event shows how Belfast is leading the way in developing the businesses and solutions of the future.”
As part of Cultivate, participants heard from leading voices in environmental and social impact, including Alice Thompson (co-founder of Social Bite and The Big Sleepout), Professor Ian Robertson (neuroscientist, author and global authority on performance), Mark Pollock (world renowned speaker and pioneer of a cure for paralysis) and Richard Soton (author, consultant and speaker).
Aidan McGeary from Mude Adaptive Clothing was among those who took part and was successful in securing further funding for his venture.
He said: “Hearing from world-class entrepreneurs and leaders over the past six months has been a game-changing experience for me and for my business.
“I’ve had the opportunity to develop alongside an amazing group of like-minded and purpose-driven business leaders. To win one of the £2,500 prize pots is the icing on the cake.”
For more information on the range of free support provided by the council for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/businessinfo