New Frontiers SETU

One question we hear a lot: Do you need to have a registered business to join Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at SETU in Waterford?The answer is no, you can apply even if you’re still at the idea stage and haven’t incorporated yet.One of the strengths of the New Frontiers programme is that it’s designed to support founders early, before everything is figured out. If you’re exploring an innovative business idea, you don’t need a company set up to get started. And if funding supports like the Pre-Seed Start Fund or other agency supports are part of your longer-term plans, New Frontiers can help you prepare for those next steps too.

For a first-time founder, one of the advantages of Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme is access to the Enterprise Ireland ecosystem.

Through Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at SETU in Waterford, you’re not just building a startup in isolation; you have access to a wider support network of mentors, market research expertise, funding pathways, and investor connections.

Being connected to the Enterprise Ireland ecosystem can open doors to introductions, partnerships, and future funding opportunities that might be difficult to access alone. For many first-time founders, that kind of network can be just as valuable as the programme itself.

For founders, the real value is that Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at SETU in Waterford gives you a safe but serious environment to test assumptions, sharpen your business model, and build the confidence and networks needed to pursue market traction faster. That matters because traction usually comes from clearer positioning, better ex*****on, and stronger networks, all of which the programme is designed to strengthen

Myth: You need to know the right people before you can start a business.

Fact: The right people can help, but they are not a prerequisite to getting started. At Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at SETU in Waterford, founders connect with peers, mentors, and the wider startup ecosystem as they develop their idea. That means you do not need to have all the connections in place on day one. You need the mindset to start, test, learn, and grow.

The right network is something you can build. The right time to start is now.

Networking on Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme at SETU in Waterford is about far more than swapping business cards. It’s about building a founder community that supports learning, collaboration, confidence, and growth. For early-stage founders, those connections can be just as valuable as the workshops and mentoring. In startups, the right network matters.

What is Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme?Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers at SETU in Waterford helps de-risk starting a business. Phase 1 helps you explore and validate an idea, Phase 2 gives you six months to focus on building with structured support, and Phase 3 helps you execute, grow and prepare for funding. It’s a pathway from idea to startup, with expert guidance and a founder community around you.Learn More at: https://newfrontiers.setu.ie/

You can only get so far on your own.

At some point in your journey, you need people who’ve done it before to challenge your thinking and guide your next steps. That’s what Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme offers. It will give you access to experienced mentors, programme managers, and workshop leaders who help you focus on what actually matters. With personalised one-to-one mentoring from the Enterprise Ireland mentor network, you’re not just getting general advice; you’re getting guidance tailored for your business.

Everything in the programme is geared towards helping you build a sustainable business that is investment-ready.

Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers makes starting a business easier if you’re at an early stage (idea to MVP) and still figuring out who your customer is, what your pricing will be, or still building a business model.

It’s helpful if you need some financial breathing room, as the €15K tax-free allowance can give you the chance to go all-in without giving up equity. For first-time founders, it can bring structure and accountability, and help you learn faster through workshops and mentor reviews. And if your goal is to scale, it’s a strong pathway into the Enterprise Ireland ecosystem, opening doors to credibility and future funding.

You can both apply to the programme, but only one individual may be nominated to attend the programme and receive the €15,000 stipend.To learn more about the programme visit https://newfrontiers.setu.ie/faq/