Applications from budding entrepreneurs in the North West are now invited for the next programme of New Frontiers.
New Frontiers is a National Enterprise Support Programme designed to create sustainable knowledge and technology businesses. It is perfect for anyone who has been contemplating a new innovative business or is in the process of developing a new product or service in the following areas; Food & Consumer; Communication Technology; Engineering / Electronics; Medical Devices; Biotechnology; Pharma; Digital Media and Internationally Traded Services.
The programme is funded by Enterprise Ireland and operated in the North West by IT Sligo and LYIT. Applications are invited before January 4th for the next programme.
During the part-time 8 week first phase of the programme, participants will benefit from workshops on the Business Value Proposition, Market Research and Validation, Sales Training and Financial Management.
One of the participants on the programme this year is Anne Tuohy who runs Room Junkie, an online advice on home interiors;
“New Frontiers has been very valuable to me in developing and testing my business idea,” she said. “I feel I’ve learned an awful lot about growing my business in a very short time. It’s great to exchange information with other participants as well. As a result I believe I’m much further on now with my service.”
The core element of the second phase of New Frontiers is a six-month intensive programme which focuses on developing the person’s entrepreneurial abilities, equipping them with the skills they need to run, and crucially to develop, sustainable businesses.
According to Dr. Michelle Connolly, Programme Manager;
“The focus of the New Frontiers programme is to impart the entrepreneurship skills needed to move from a business concept to the marketplace. In essence, surrounding these entrepreneurs with the expertise and information they need to turn their idea into a viable business. I’d particularly like to invite anyone who has been considering a new product or service in the North West to get in touch.”
New Frontiers will be delivered over 3 phases. After phase one is completed, participants will then be selected for the second phase (12 places) based on the viability of their idea, where they will receive financial support of €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland as they focus all their efforts on developing a business during this six-month period.
They will also be given desk space in the Institute of Technology’s incubation centre, one-to-one mentoring, business master classes and access to networking opportunities with potential investors.
The New Frontiers programme is now inviting applications before the deadline of 4th January 2013 for a programme start of February 2013. Participants’ testimonials and application forms are available from this link.
To apply for the New Frontiers programme or to find out more contact Dr. Michelle Connolly on 087 – 2868169 or email michelle.connolly@nulllyit.ie.
Pictured in above photo Participants in this year’s New Frontiers Programe, Back Row L-R: Stephen McGinley – Whitepark Engineering, Patrick Clafferty – Classroom PLC and Peter Campbell – Lone Star State; Front Row L-R: David O’Neill – Uppiddee, Vincent Breslin – Siansplan, Katie Sweeney – Service Sells, Thomas Cullen – Pocket Heroes and Daniel Clarke – Flying Cameras