Programme Structure

Phase 1

A series of part time workshops, evaluating the idea and providing a structure to enable the founder to plan how to progress and develop their business.
Workshops will cover Lean Business Model Canvas, Market Evaluation, Customer Value Proposition, as well as Pitching, Planning and other areas relevant to start-ups.
All workshops are facilitated by industry experts, practitioners and entrepreneurs, with support from the TU Dublin enterprise team. Most workshops will be online, but some onsite attendance may be required.
Phase 1 is usually offered in two formats : 12 evening sessions over 6 weeks or 2 weekend sessions (Fri evening, all day Sat & Sun).
Outputs from Phase 1 include the founder’s Go/No Go decision, an outline strategy for proceeding, a Practice Pitch and Business Case Document.

Phase 2

Training and support in all areas of business start-up including : Business Model Development, Market Research & Validation, Financial Planning & Management, Business Processes, IP Protection, Product Development, Team Development, and Sales & Pitching skills.
Peer-group learning from participants in the region and across the country.
Mentoring from experienced business advisers, entrepreneurs and practitioners.
Office and other business incubation facilities, access to a funded hot desk.
Networking with other entrepreneurs and business support agencies.
Introductions to seed and early stage capital investment networks, and focused preparation for investment pitching.
Access to entrepreneurship best practice, both national and international.
Access to expertise in Enterprise Ireland, including their Market Research Centre and Mentor Network.
Access to expertise from TU Dublin Campuses, and the supportive environment of a business incubation centre.
Access to start up supports, such as Amazon Web Hosting Services, Google Cloud for Start Ups & other online supports.
€15,000 stipend (paid monthly) to cover full time participation in the six month programme. Programmes are usually delivered by blended learning approaches (some online, some onsite) ; full time engagement and participation is a requirement for ongoing funding. This funding is paid to the participant directly as a scholarship ; no equity is taken.

Outputs from Phase 2 will include an Investor Ready Business Plan, Pitch Deck and supporting evidence ; a detailed strategy for developing the business and advice on funding options. Follow on supports to assist those Phase 2 participants who are continuing to execute their business start-up action plan.

Phase 3

Some Phase 2 participants will be identified, from a competitive application process, to receive stipend funding for a further 3 months, as well as mentor, hot desk and other customised supports (subject to funding).
Intend establishing an export focused business.
Ambition, capability and commitment to developing a scalable and sustainable business.
Growth oriented - planning on achieving a turnover greater than €1mn and create more than 10 jobs in a three to five year timescale.
Ability to grow a business that is built on a strong foundation of innovation and/or technology.
Ability to show evidence of an attractive commercial market opportunity for the proposed business or service.
Intend seeking external professional investment to support business growth. No equity is taken by New Frontiers.