New Frontiers

1. What is the New Frontiers Programme?

2. Where is it based?

3. How will it work?

4. Who is eligible to Apply?

5. What supports are offered?

6. Duration of Programme

What is the New Frontiers Programme?

The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme is for people with new ideas who are starting scalable knowledge based businesses and have the potential to be transferred to Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up Unit. It is a structured programme that supports promoters to learn new skills critical at the start-up phase and guides them in the transition to successful self employment. Waterford Institute of Technology has been running the Entrepreneur Development Programme successfully for over sixteen years supporting companies such as Immersive VR Education www.immersivevreducation.com , Sonru www.sonru.com/, Stitcher ads, www.stitcherads.com/, Taoglas www.taoglas.com, Scurri www.scurri.com, Hybrid Energy www.hybrid.ie and Near Form www.nearform.com. The programme has in the past supported projects diverse as medical components/devices, social media, original food products and software.

Where is it based?

The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme is co-located at the ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre in Waterford Institute of Technology and at the Enterprise and Research Incubation Centre (ERIC) in IT Carlow. Both Centres have strong track records of successfully providing a business incubation environment that supports entrepreneurial development and company growth. The partnership between the two Institutes provides an extensive support network for wider regional business development.

How will it work?

This three-phase programme will provide a professional practical support programme targeted at people who are in the early stages of setting up a technology-based or knowledge-intensive business. Training and support will be provided by experienced practitioners through a structured delivery and assessment process which will provide the required assistance and guidance for the development of commercially viable enterprises.
 

Who is eligible to Apply?

Applicants should be prospective entrepreneurs who have a well thought-out innovative business idea or technology that has the ability to be developed into a scalable high potential start-up company. Applicants should have enthusiasm, confidence and single-mindedness about setting up and running your own business. They should also be committed to spending time on researching the market potential and launching a business.  Ineligible businesses include consultancy, training or retail businesses as they would not be regarded as 'an innovative business idea or an innovative technology.

What supports are offered?

• Shared office accommodation in the Arclabs Research & Innovation Centre located at Waterford Institute of Technology or at the Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre located at the Institute of Technology Carlow

• Business advice

• Access to training and consultancy services of partner organisations

• Introduction to networks of mentors, venture capitalists and other support agencies

• Personal mentoring relevant to grow the enterprise or product development under the programme mentoring scheme delivered by experts in the field of business management and development

• Eligible to apply for Enterprise Ireland Support funding up to a maximum of €15,000 for participants who proceed to proceed Phase 2 of the programme (conditions apply)

Duration of Programme

The next Phase 1 programme of New Frontiers will commence in September 2018 at Waterford Institute of Technology and will be delivered one evening per week over an eight-week period.  The next Phase 2 programme will commence in December 2018 over a 6 month period. 

Mr. Eugene Crehan,   MBA BA PG Dip FIITD NCGE Fellow (Entrepreneurship Education)

Eugene Crehan is Director of Programmes at the Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy (CEDRE) where he manages the New Frontiers Programme. He is highly experienced in working with start-ups and early stage businesses as an advisor. His doctoral research interest is in the area of investment in high potential businesses. He has lectured in Marketing and Strategic Management at WIT and UCC. He has significant experience in international business development having held senior management positions with organisations such as Diageo (Baileys), Waterford Crystal and A.T. Cross. He has lived in the USA, Europe and the Middle East and has conducted business in over 50 countries during 18 years of international roles.  He holds BA and MBA Degrees and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business in Enterprise Development. He is a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training & Development, a NCGE Entrepreneurship Educator Fellow plus a European Entrepreneurship Educators Fellow. He was appointed Waterford City Coordinator of Startup Gathering by Minister Jed Nash TD. He served as a Director for Waterford Chamber and was a core member of the marketing committee for the Waterford Tall Ships Race.  www.linkedin.com.in.eugenecrehan 

Arc Labs Research & Innovation Centre, West Campus, Carriganore, WATERFORD

T: 051 – 302953         E: [email protected]      @newfrontiersse      @WITEntrepreneur 

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