The North West’s aspiring entrepreneurs can now apply for the New Frontiers Phase 2 programme
New Frontiers ATU Sligo – Donegal is now recruiting for its six-month Phase 2 programme commencing September 2024. New Frontiers is Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme with 14 programmes running across 18 locations nationwide.
New Frontiers ATU Sligo – Donegal is funded by Enterprise Ireland and delivered in the North West through ATU Sligo and Donegal. It provides access to a range of supports including co-working space at Sligo’s Innovation Centre or Letterkenny’s Co-Lab, 1-to-1 mentoring, masterclasses and up to €22,500 in financial support to accelerate the business start-up. Phase 2 is a full-time programme whose aim is to provide support in the development of an investor-ready business proposition.
According to the Programme Manager for the region, Geraldine Beirne “New Frontiers is perfect for individuals who are early-stage entrepreneurs who have an innovative business idea with export and employment potential”.
She added “New Frontiers is an integral part of the enterprise ecosystem in the North West designed to drive sustainable economic growth for the region. Working in partnership with key stakeholders including the Local Enterprise Offices, Westbic and Údarás na Gaeltachta, we aim to foster and develop local businesses, so they become key drivers of employment growth in the region.”
One of the strengths of the programme is that participants have a direct link with the Atlantic Technological University, allowing them to tap into expertise and specialisations. At ATU Sligo, this means accessing areas such as product development, design for manufacture, renewable energy and sustainable technologies. At ATU Donegal, this means areas like digital transformation and emerging technologies, design, innovation, creativity & enterprise and life sciences, health & wellbeing. The research collaboration is complementary and invaluable for early-stage entrepreneurs.
The programme’s alumni have achieved considerable success since its inception over 10 years ago. One such business is Donegal based Pumpskynz owned by Catherine Devine, which offers protective covers for diabetic devices in a range of attractive colours. Talking about her experience of New Frontiers Catherine says “The New Frontiers programme came at the right time for me at my early stage in the business start- up. It challenged me to think strategically about how to grow our customer base internationally.”
Applications for Phase 2 of New Frontiers are now being accepted, with a closing date of Thursday 13th June. If you are interested in the programme, visit www.newfrontiersnw.ie to find out more.
