A FERMANAGH entrepreneur developing an AI-powered consultation platform for aesthetic clinics has won the local Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch competition.
Lorraine Browne, from outside Ballinamallard, secured £1,000 in investment for her business idea, Belleverita, and a place in the regional final, where she will pitch for a further £5,000 to help grow the business.
Another Fermanagh entrepreneur, Shelley Cowan, was also among the award winners, receiving the Inclusive Entrepreneurship award for her business EQUORIA XP, which aims to improve accessibility in travel and hospitality.
The competition, organised by government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed and delivered locally by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, saw 10 entrepreneurs from across the district take part in the local heat.
Lorraine developed her idea following almost 20 years managing a leading dental and facial aesthetics clinic in Omagh.
During that time, she identified how consultations could vary between clinicians, resulting in inconsistent patient experiences and missed treatment opportunities.
Belleverita uses AI to standardise consultations, with the aim of improving patient understanding, supporting clinicians and helping clinics grow through better treatment acceptance and continuity of care.
Councillor Barry McElduff, of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, congratulated all those who took part.
“Having the confidence to put your business idea forward is a huge milestone for any entrepreneur. We are very proud to have supported so many local businesses through Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.
“Congratulations to everyone who entered and reached the local heat final, and a special congratulations to Lorraine on emerging as winner on the day. We will most certainly be cheering Lorraine on at the final in November.”
The other award winners were Sorcha McAnespy, who received the Social Impact award for her digital safety platform Fig, and Rebekah Jones, whose accessible play café Little Jar of Joy received the Rising Star award.
The winners from Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas will compete in the regional final at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, County Derry, on November 18.
The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, alongside a package of business support prizes.
Further awards include the Social Impact, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Rising Star and People’s Choice categories, with each winner receiving £1,500 towards their business idea.
Go Succeed provides free advice and support to people starting or growing a business. Further information is available at www.go-succeed.com.