Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch

Eligibility Criteria for Elevate - The Disabled Founders Pitch

To participate in the initiative, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Entrepreneurship Status: Applicants must currently own, operate, or have a significant leadership role (e.g., co-founder, managing director) in a business.
• Disability Status: Applicants must self-identify as disabled, aligning with the definition under the Equality Act 2010, which includes physical, mental, or sensory disabilities that have a substantial and long-term impact on daily life.
• Business Stage: Businesses must have been registered or trading for a minimum of one year and be looking to scale. We recognise that many early-stage or pre-seed startups may still be in development; therefore, while the business must have been established for 12 months, a 12-month revenue history is not required. Applications must demonstrate evidence of traction, customer validation, or active product development.
• Geographic Location: Open to entrepreneurs based in any region of the UK. Finalists will be able to access a financial contribution of £300 to help with travel and accommodation costs for the semi-final and the final. 
• Competition-Specific Requirements: For the semi-final stage, applicants have the flexibility to pitch virtually if they are unable to attend in person. However, those progressing to the final must be available to attend the Naidex event in person on 25th March, ensuring they arrive at the NEC in Birmingham before 1:30pm.