

This initiative will provide a unique platform for disabled entrepreneurs and business owners to showcase their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed industry experts. This exciting initiative offers you the opportunity to:
Apply through our online form
Tell us your story! We want to learn more about your business. Fill our our short online form.
Finalists Announced
Finalists will be announced by the end of February.
Finalists Pitch
4 finalists will be invited to Naidex to pitch to our judges in front of an audience on 20th March at the NEC in Birmingham. The pitch will start at 14:35.
To participate in the initiative, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Entries for Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch are now closed.
Alternative Formats and Accommodations
We are committed to ensuring that the Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch initiative is fully accessible and inclusive for all participants. If you require alternative formats or accommodations to participate, please let us know as soon as possible so we can meet your needs effectively.
To request accommodations, please contact us at marketing@naidex.co.uk no later than 5th February. Please include the following information:
Dr Shani Dhanda
Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist
Social Entrepreneur and Broadcaster
Chris Loring
Managing Director, BCB Lending & Working Capital
Lloyds Banking Group
Jacqueline Winstanley FRSA
Founder & CEO
Universal Inclusion
Shezad Nawab MBE
Deaf British Asian Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur, International Speaker and Author, Management Consultancy, Business Strategies, Executive Coaching, International Trade, and Asset Investments
Jane Hatton
Founder and CEO
Evenbreak
The solution is compelling and achievable
There are clear goals and milestones that will help the business grow
The business contributes to positive change i.e. incorporating accessibility, sustainability, or innovation into the business
£4,000 grant from Lloyds
Exhibition stand at 2026 Naidex conference
Support packages - Runner Up
Support packages - All Finalists
If you have any questions about Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch initiative, or need to access the information in a different format please contact us:
Email: marketing@naidex.co.uk
Call us: +44 208 126 4842