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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 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.
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.
2024-2025 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 2024-2025.
Waterford Dates
Applications | Waterford |
Phase 1 Evening Online Programme 2024 | |
Phase 1 Autumn Applications Open | August 12, 2024 |
Phase 1 Autumn Application Deadline | September 3, 2024 |
Phase 1 Autumn Commencement Date | September 17, 2024 |
Phase 1 Autumn Completion Date | October 22, 2024 |
Phase 2 Full Time (six month) Programme 2025 | |
Phase 2 Applications Open | October 21, 2024 |
Phase 2 Application Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
Phase 2 Commencement Date | December 02, 2024 |
Phase 1 Evening Online Programme 2025 | |
Phase 1 Spring Application Open | January 29, 2025 |
Phase 1 Spring Application Deadline | February 26, 2025 |
Phase 1 Spring Commencement Date | March 11, 2025 |
Phase 1 Spring Completion Date | April 8, 2025 |
Phase 2 Completion Date | June 01, 2025 |