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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.
** Please Note ** Applications for Phase 2 at our Waterford campus are now closed.
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.
2025-2026 Calendar
This calendar indicates upcoming application deadlines. We make every effort to keep this calendar up to date, but please note that these dates are subject to change.
Waterford Dates
Applications | Waterford |
Phase 1 Evening On-line Programme 2026 (Autumn) | |
Phase 1 Application Open | July 27, 2026 |
Phase 1 Application Deadline | August 28, 2026 |
Phase 1 Commencement Date | September 08, 2026 |
Phase 1 Completion Date | October 07, 2026 |
Phase 2 (full time, six-month programme) 2026/2027 | |
Phase 2 Application Open | September 28, 2026 |
Phase 2 Application Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
Phase 2 Commencement Date | December 01, 2026 |
Phase 2 Completion Date | May 31, 2026 |
Phase 1 Evening On-line Programme 2027 (Spring) | |
Phase 1 Application Open | January 12, 2027 |
Phase 1 Application Deadline | February 12, 2027 |
Phase 1 Commencement Date | February 23, 2027 |
Phase 1 Completion Date | April 07, 2027 (no workshop 16th & 17th March) |