New Frontiers

New Frontiers is the national entrepreneurial development programme for ambitious individuals with new innovative business ideas which have the potential to scale and provide employment.

New Frontiers provides the skills, support and structure needed to make the leap to starting a successful business. The New Frontiers Programme is co-located at the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre (ERIC) in SETU Carlow Campus and at the ArcLabs Research & Innovation Centre in SETU Waterford Campus. Both Centres have strong track records of successfully providing a business incubation environment that supports entrepreneurial development and company growth.

Since 2016, the programme at ERIC has supported the creation of 144 jobs and achieved €7.2M in sales, of which €3.6M were export sales.

Benefits of the programme:

  • Support package valued at €30,000 including €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2
  • No equity taken
  • Personalised one-to-one mentoring offered by business mentors from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor network
  • Free co-working space in the ERIC building
  • Expert advice and guidance through workshops and masterclasses – support and guidance in the development of a strong business plan
  • Access to ERIC Centre/SETU Carlow resources and networks
  • Peer-group learning from other participants

 

  • Phase 1 – Test your Business Idea – Starts  14th March 2023

    Test your business idea – Held part-time over a 4–6-week period.

    Phase 1 will help you to research and test the market potential of your business idea.

    • Phase 1 –  March 2023 (Tuesday 14th, 21st, 28th) & April 2023 (Tuesday 4th)

     

  • Phase 2 – Develop the Business – Starts July 2023

    Develop the Business – Full-time 6-month intensive programme and places are offered following a competitive selection process. Focus is on developing and validating your business proposition.

    • Phase 2 –  Starts 17th July 2023 – 19th January 2024

     

  • Phase 3 – Implement the Business Plan

    Implementing the Business Plan – Full-time 3-month programme. Having successfully completed Phase 2, participants can apply to participate in Phase 3.

    Participants will focus on implementing their business plan by bringing their product/service to market and preparing to acquire further funding.

Who is eligible?

  • Early-stage entrepreneurs in the southeast region – Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Carlow
  • New innovative business idea with Potential to scale
  • First time entrepreneurs
  • May currently be in full-time employment but have the desire to start their own business
  • Have the drive and ambition required to build a successful start-up

Apply Now