New Frontiers is a new entrepreneur support programme designed to create sustainable knowledge and technology businesses.  It was officially launched at IT Sligo this week.  The programme is funded and coordinated by Enterprise Ireland and will be delivered locally by Letterkenny Institute of Technology and IT Sligo.

New Frontiers is perfect for anyone who has an idea or is in the process of developing a new product in the following sectors:  food & consumer products, information & communication technology, engineering & electronics, medical devices, biotechnology, pharma, digital media and eligible internationally traded services.

The Programme Manager nationally, Dr Lisa Keating, said, "The main focus is on the individual, giving them the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs".

The core element of New Frontiers is a six-month intensive programme which will focus on developing the person’s entrepreneurial abilities, equipping them with the skills they need to run, and crucially to develop, sustainable businesses.  The programme will be delivered over 3 phases.

Paul Hannigan, President LYIT, commenting on New Frontiers said, "This is an innovative and progressive programme aimed at offering high level expertise in specific growth sectors from both IT Sligo and LYIT and beyond to entrepreneurs.  This expertise will not only test and validate ideas, but also continue to support these entrepreneurs to develop their businesses  into the future".

LYIT and IT Sligo are now inviting people to apply for the first phase of the programme (28 places) where their business idea and their capabilities as a potential entrepreneur will be tested.  During this part-time 8 week phase the participants will benefit from workshops on the business value proposition, market research & validation, sales training and financial management.

After phase one is completed, participants will then be selected for the second phase (12 places) based on the viability of their business, 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 office space in the Institute of Technology’s incubation centre, mentoring and access to networking opportunities with potential investors.

According to Patsy Donaghy, CoLab Manager, "The focus of the New Frontiers programme is developing people into entrepreneurs - laying the foundations and imparting the entrepreneurship skills needed to move from business concept to reality.  In essence, surrounding these people with the expertise and information they need to turn their idea into a viable business". 

Companies arising from the programme may have the opportunity to benefit from Enterprise Ireland’s high-potential start-up (HPSU) supports.

The New Frontiers programme is now inviting applications before the deadline of 12 April, for a programme start on 4 May.  To apply for the New Frontiers programme contact Patsy Donaghy at LYIT on 074 91 86703, patrick.donaghey@lyit.ie or Janette Gillen, IT Sligo, 071 91 37216 and innovation@itsligo.ie.

Photo caption:  The New Frontiers programme officially launched by LYIT and IT Sligo (l-r): Gordon Ryan, Head of Development and Business Operations, IT Sligo; Carole Brenan, Enterprise Ireland; Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD; Janette Gillen, Innovation Centre Manager, IT Sligo; Patsy Donaghy, CoLab Manager at LYIT; Dr Lisa Keating, New Frontiers Programme Manager; and Niall McEvoy, Head of Innovation at IT Sligo.