New Frontiers Entrepreneurial Development Programme 

The New Frontiers entrepreneurial development programme is for ambitious early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas which have the potential to scale and provide employment. It provides the skills, support, and confidence needed to make the leap to starting a successful business.

The programme is delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland by the Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities.

New Frontiers Entrepreneurial Development Programme is designed for individuals who:

• Are early-stage entrepreneurs with little or no experience in starting a business
• May be in full-time employment but have the desire to start their own business
• Have an innovative business idea with export and employment potential
• Can show evidence of a commercial market for their proposed product/service
• Have experience, sectoral and/or technical knowledge in the area of their business idea
• Have the drive and ambition required to commit fully to building a successful start-up

See the eligibility section for more details on eligibility.

How Does New Frontiers Benefit Entrepreneurs?

• It offers regional access to applicants across 14 programmes and 16 locations.
• Open to business ideas from across all sectors including food & consumer products; information & communication technology; engineering & electronics; medical devices; biotechnology; pharma, digital media; cleantech/renewable energy; and eligible internationally-traded services
• Support package valued at €30,000 including a €15,000 tax-free stipend in Phase 2, subject to satisfactory performance – no equity is taken in your business
• Further support is available in Phase 3 to the value of €10,000+
• Personalised one-to-one mentoring offered by seasoned business mentors from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor network.
• Expert advice and guidance from an experienced programme team, business practitioners, investors and other entrepreneurs within the Institutes of Technology and Universities.
• Access to R&D facilities and specialist expertise from within the Institutes of Technology/Universities, including access to interns and graduates.
• Practitioner-led workshops in all areas of building a business.
• Regular milestone review meetings to monitor your progress.
• Free co-working space (during Phase 2 and 3).
• Support and guidance in the development of a strong business plan.

Programme Detail

New Frontiers is a three-phase programme, consisting of practical and interactive workshops, personalised one-to-one mentoring, financial support and co-working space. New Frontiers is a game-changer for anyone serious about developing their business idea into a successful start-up.

Phase 1: Test Your Business Idea

Held part-time over an 8-10 week period, Phase 1 will help you to research and test the market potential of your business idea. These weekend and evening workshops will provide information and general start-up training, allowing you to evaluate if your idea can be turned into a viable proposition.

Key Benefits:

• Part-time across week-ends or evenings
• You can continue in employment
• Prepares you for accessing Phase 2
• Helps you arrive at a go/no-go decision

Register your interest here

Full details here