Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch
Lloyds and Naidex will be launching an exciting initiative at the upcoming Naidex event in March.
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:
- Pitch your business: Present your innovative product, service, or business concept to a panel of experts.
- Gain invaluable feedback: Receive constructive advice and guidance to help refine your business strategy.
- Win incredible support: The winning entry will receive a comprehensive package of support benefits.
Apply through our online form
Tell us your story! We want to learn more about your business. Fill our our short online form.
Finalists will be announced by the end of February.
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.
Eligibility Criteria for the Elevate - 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 trading for a minimum of 1 year and looking to scale.
- 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.
- Competition-Specific Requirements: Applicants must be available to attend the Naidex event in person on 20th March and arrive before 1:30pm at the NEC in Birmingham.
Entries for Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch are now closed.
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:
- The specific accommodation(s) or alternative format(s) you require.
- Any additional details or preferences that will help us support you effectively.
Meet the judges of this year's Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch
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
Atif Choudhury
Chief Executive and Co-founder
Diversity and Ability
Jane Hatton
Founder and CEO
Evenbreak
The business and the problem it solves was clearly explained
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
12 months mentorship from Lloyds senior representative
PR opportunities from Naidex and Lloyds
Exhibition stand at 2026 Naidex conference
Trophy and digital certification
Exclusive feature across Naidex digital platforms
Support packages - Runner Up
- £1,000 grant from Lloyds
- 12 months mentorship from Lloyds representative
- PR opportunities from Naidex and Lloyds
- Trophy and digital certification
Support packages - All Finalists
- PR opportunities from Naidex and Lloyds
- Trophy and digital certification
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