SETU New Frontiers

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Carlow Phases & Calendar

A rundown of Phase 1,2 and 3

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Apply for Phase 2!

Phase 1

  • A series of part time workshops, evaluating the idea and providing a structure to enable the founder to plan how to progress and develop their business.
  • Workshops will cover Lean Business Model Canvas, Market Evaluation, Customer Value Proposition, as well as Pitching, Planning and other areas relevant to start-ups.
  • All workshops are facilitated by industry experts, practitioners and entrepreneurs, with support from the SETU enterprise team. Most workshops will be online, but some onsite attendance may be required.
  • Phase 1 is offered online one to two days a week over a 4-6 week period.
Apply for Phase 1

Phase 2

  • Training and support in all areas of business start-up including : Business Model Development, Market Research & Validation, Financial Planning & Management, Business Processes, IP Protection, Product Development, Team Development, and Sales & Pitching skills.
  • No equity is taken.
  • Peer-group learning from participants in the region and across the country.
  • Mentoring from experienced business advisers, entrepreneurs and practitioners.
  • Office and other business incubation facilities, access to a funded hot desk, in our Carlow and Waterford Incubation Centres
  • Networking with other founders and business support agencies.
  • Introductions to seed and early stage capital investment networks, and focused preparation for investment pitching.
  • Access to entrepreneurship best practice, both national and international.
  • Access to expertise in Enterprise Ireland, including their Market Research Centre and Mentor Network.
  • Access to expertise from SETU Campuses, and the supportive environment of a business incubation centre together with the 4 Research Gateways at SETU.
  • Access to start up supports, such as Amazon Web Hosting Services, Google Cloud for Start Ups & other online supports.
  • €15,000 stipend (paid monthly) to cover full time participation in the six month programme (full time engagement and participation is a requirement for ongoing funding. This funding is paid to the participant directly as a scholarship.
  • Outputs from Phase 2 will include an Investor Ready Business Plan, Pitch Deck and supporting evidence. 
Apply for Phase 2

Phase 3

  • Having successfully completed Phase 2, participants can apply via a competitive application process, to participate in Phase 3 of the programme. Benefits include stipend of €7,500 (€2,500 paid monthly) to cover full-time participation in the three month programmes plus other supports. Phase 3 is a full-time 3-month programme where founders will focus on implementing their business plan by bringing their product/service to market and preparing to acquire further funding.

Phase 1

  • A series of part time workshops, evaluating the idea and providing a structure to enable the founder to plan how to progress and develop their business.
  • Workshops will cover Lean Business Model Canvas, Market Evaluation, Customer Value Proposition, as well as Pitching, Planning and other areas relevant to start-ups.
  • All workshops are facilitated by industry experts, practitioners and entrepreneurs, with support from the SETU enterprise team. Most workshops will be online, but some onsite attendance may be required.
  • Phase 1 is offered online one to two days a week over a 4-6 week period.

Phase 2

  • Training and support in all areas of business start-up including : Business Model Development, Market Research & Validation, Financial Planning & Management, Business Processes, IP Protection, Product Development, Team Development, and Sales & Pitching skills.
  • No equity is taken.
  • Peer-group learning from participants in the region and across the country.
  • Mentoring from experienced business advisers, entrepreneurs and practitioners.
  • Office and other business incubation facilities, access to a funded hot desk, in our Carlow and Waterford Incubation Centres
  • Networking with other entrepreneurs and business support agencies.
  • Introductions to seed and early stage capital investment networks, and focused preparation for investment pitching.
  • Access to entrepreneurship best practice, both national and international.
  • Access to expertise in Enterprise Ireland, including their Market Research Centre and Mentor Network.
  • Access to expertise from SETU Campuses, and the supportive environment of a business incubation centre together with the 4 Research Gateways at SETU.
  • Access to start up supports, such as Amazon Web Hosting Services, Google Cloud for Start Ups & other online supports.
  • €15,000 stipend (paid monthly) to cover full time participation in the six month programme (full time engagement and participation is a requirement for ongoing funding. This funding is paid to the participant directly as a scholarship.

  • Outputs from Phase 2 will include an Investor Ready Business Plan, Pitch Deck and supporting evidence. 

Phase 3

Phase 2 participants can apply, via a competitive application process, to participate in Phase 3 of the programme and receive stipend funding and other benefits for a further 3 months.

Phase 3 participant characteristics

  • Intend establishing an export focused business.
  • Ambition, capability and commitment to the Phase 3 programme.
  • Growth oriented

Selection of Phase 3 participants is based on the following:

  • Their performance of Phase 2 of New Frontiers
  • The market potential for the product or service (supported by market research)
  • Ability to grow a business that is built on a strong foundation of innovation and/or technology.

2023-2024 Calendar

We actively recruit for Phase 1 and Phase 2 throughout the year across the two campus incubation centres, at Carlow and Waterford. Below is the outline schedule for Phases during 2023-2024.

Carlow Dates

 Applications

Dates

Phase 1 Evening On-line Programme 2026

Phase 1 Applications open

2nd March 2026

Phase 1 Application Deadline

7th April,2026

Phase 1 Commencement Date

14th April2026

Phase 1 Completion Date

12th May 2026

Phase 2 Evening On-line Programme 2026

Phase 2 Applications open

15th May 2026

Phase 2 Application Deadline

7th July 2026

Phase 2 Commencement Date

26th August 2026

Phase 2 Completion Date

26th February 2026