Skip to main content
Naidex red logo

19th - 20th March 2025
NEC, Birmingham

 
CPD Member 

Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch

Naidex elevate - Disabled founders pitch banner

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.

 

The Process

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. 

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.

The deadline to apply is Thursday 13th February 2025, at midnight. 

 

ENTER NOW

 

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:

  • The specific accommodation(s) or alternative format(s) you require.
  • Any additional details or preferences that will help us support you effectively.

The Judges

 

 

Meet the judges of this year's Elevate - Disabled Founders Pitch

Shani Dhanda stands outside, smiling, leaning against a reflective surface; her image is reflected on the left of the glass. Shani is a South Asian short-stature woman in her mid-thirties with long brown hair. She wears a navy blue blouse with a gold print and black jeans.

Dr Shani Dhanda  

Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist

Social Entrepreneur and Broadcaster 

Headshot of a man wearing a shirt and blazer smiling

Chris Loring​ 

Managing Director, BCB Lending & Working Capital ​ 

Lloyds Banking Group 

A headshot of a woman with brown hair, smiling.

Jacqueline Winstanley FRSA  

Founder & CEO 

Universal Inclusion 

A man wearing a suit, smiling at the camera.

Atif Choudary  

Chief Executive and Co-founder 

Diversity and Ability 

A woman with short blonde hair, smiling.

Jane Hatton 

Founder and CEO 

Evenbreak 

Judging Criteria

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

Support packages - Winner

£4,000 grant from Lloyds

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

 

Contact the Naidex Team 

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