New Frontiers in prospect for 75 entrepreneurs
An ambitious plan to deliver 75 new companies in the Cork and Kerry region was launched recently by Munster Technological University (MTU).
Funded by Enterprise Ireland, MTU will spend €3.5m over the next five years on the New Frontiers Programme to support hundreds of entrepreneurs in the south west region.
This is a substantial injection of funding for the New Frontiers programme and is a recognition of its broad reach across the south west with delivery being available on both MTU campuses, The Tom Crean Business Centre in Tralee, and The Rubicon Centre in Cork.
80 applicants across Cork and Kerry will be accepted on to the first phase of the programme, a pre-acceleration phase, where their business idea and their capabilities as a potential entrepreneur will be challenged.
During this part-time, six week phase, participants will benefit from workshops on business value proposition, market research and validation, sales training and financial management. Those selected for the second phase will enjoy a suite of supports and uniquely, for an acceleration programme of this kind, no equity will be taken from the participants in return for the generous package of supports worth €30,000.
President of MTU Prof. Maggie Cusack said: “I am delighted to announce this next round of the New Frontiers Programme for the south west region. Colleagues in Kerry and Cork have been collaborating on entrepreneurship supports for over 20 years and this initiative is an important pillar in the implementation of one of MTU’s key functions in the region, supporting entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and innovation in business.”
“New Frontiers has truly been instrumental to our progress and I couldn't imagine being where we are without the expertise, advice and invaluable support we've been given within this incredible ecosystem. It really has been a game changer for us!” says Clare McSweeney Founder & CEO of Kuul Play who is currently taking part in the New Frontiers Programme.
“Kuul Play is all about making PE and sport fun for all kids - especially those non-sporty. Our brand new learning platform makes it so easy for teachers and parents to support all children's physical literacy development and wellbeing. Because every child deserves to have fun playing.”
Commenting on behalf of Enterprise Ireland, Paula Carroll, New Frontiers National Programme Manager said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to offer such a critically important programme like New Frontiers. It is the national entrepreneurial development programme and by combining practical advice, mentorship, and funding, it can help reduce the risk and dramatically increase the chances of success for aspiring start-up entrepreneurs.”
Information on how to apply can be found on rubiconcentre.ie and creancentre.com.