The North West's aspiring entrepreneurs can now apply for the New Frontiers programme

If you have a business idea that you are considering pursuing, New Frontiers can help you determine its feasibility through Phase 1 of its three-phase programme. The North West's next part-time programme begins on April 13 and runs for five weeks online, completely free of charge. 

The New Frontiers programme is funded by Enterprise Ireland and delivered in the North West through ATU Sligo and Donegal. Participants have access to co-working spaces at Sligo's Innovation Centre or Letterkenny's Co-Lab, one-on-one mentoring, master-classes, and up to €22,500 in financial support to accelerate the startup.  

The programme provides an integrated and comprehensive set of business development supports to participants through its three phases, with the first phase focused on assessing the market potential of the business idea. Phase 2 provides support in developing an investor-ready business proposition, while Phase 3 focuses on implementing the business plan. 

According to the Programme Manager for the region, Geraldine Beirne, New Frontiers is perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea with export and employment potential. The program is designed to drive sustainable economic growth for the region and foster and develop local businesses to become key drivers of employment growth in partnership with key stakeholders such as Local Enterprise Offices, Westbic, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Local Development Companies, and County Councils. 

One of the strengths of the New Frontiers programme is that participants have direct access to the Technological University's expertise and specialisations in areas such as product development, design for manufacture, renewable energy, sustainable technologies, digital transformation & emerging technologies, design, innovation, creativity & enterprise, and life sciences, health & wellbeing. The research collaboration is complementary and invaluable for early-stage entrepreneurs. 

The program's alumni have achieved considerable success, such as Conor Finn, who co-founded POD1UM with Barry Solan, offering an app for world-class coaching across multiple sports. Catherine Devine's business, Pumpskynz, offers protective covers for diabetic devices in a range of attractive colours.  Catherine said “The New Frontiers programme came at the right time for me in my business. It challenged me to think strategically about how to grow our customer base internationally. 

If you are interested in the programme, visit www.newfrontiersnw.ie for full details.