20/10/2017

SXSW Competition Wants To Send Entrepreneurs To Texas

As part of Global Enterprise Week 2017, Belfast City Council is offering one entrepreneur the chance to win up to £2,000 financial support to attend the world-renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) event, the leading conference for music, film and interactive technology, taking place in Austin, Texas, from 9 to 18 March, 2018.

This opportunity is open to Belfast-based entrepreneurs:

• in the early stages of business, product or service development for the international market

• working within the film, TV, digital content, immersive technology, music or cyber security services.

The Council is looking to award this opportunity to someone, "who not only has a strong and innovative business pitch, but who also has the confidence and energy make the most of the incredible opportunities presented by SXSW in terms of new investment, partnerships and profile."

In addition to the platinum SXSW conference pass and financial support with travel and accommodation, the winner of the pitching competition will also receive up to £1,000 of support to include:

• one year's free membership at the Innovation Factory

• business development support and mentoring.

Applications are now open and the closing date is 12 noon, Friday 3 November, 2017. You can apply online.

All applications will be considered but only five will be shortlisted as finalists. Successful applicants will informed on 7 November, in time for them to prepare to deliver a three-minute 'elevator pitch' to the panel of industry experts in the Oh Yeah Centre on Thursday 16 November as part of Output Belfast.

(MH/JP)

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