On 26 August, SETU welcomed the next round of enthusiastic entrepreneurs taking part in Phase 2 of Enterprise Irelands New Frontier’s programme at the Xcelerate Centre in Carlow.
The Welcome Day kickstarted Phase 2 of the programme, a full-time six-month commitment for each of the participating entrepreneurs. The Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme helps entrepreneurs test the validity of their idea and begin the process of turning it into a successful and sustainable start-up business.
A warm welcome
Gemma Purcell, Enterprise Development Manager at SETU, welcomed the group, saying, “It’s a privilege to welcome a new wave of ambitious entrepreneurs — with an equal balance of women and men — to the New Frontiers Phase 2 programme, representing the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford. This marks the beginning of their journey, and we look forward to supporting them with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to bring their vision to life.”
Startup support
Gillian Baker, Senior Client Adviser for Start-Ups (HPSU) at Enterprise Ireland, addressed the group and provided guidance on how to navigate and make the most of the available Enterprise Ireland supports, including mentoring.
Learning more about industry
Attendees heard from Aidan Shine, CEO of Propelor BIC, as he shared insights from industry within the region. When speaking about the day, Aidan said, “Being part of the New Frontiers Welcome Day at SETU’s campus in Carlow was a powerful reminder of the energy and ambition driving Ireland’s startup ecosystem. It was a privilege to meet such passionate founders at the beginning of their journey, and I’m excited to see how their ideas evolve and shape the future.”
Hearing from a past participant
Clare and Fergus Gleeson, founders of Fostering Connect and past participants of the New Frontiers Programme, also addressed the group. Clare and Fergus shared their own experiences of Phase 2 and passed along advice to the attendees as they start the next step of their entrepreneurial journey.
With a background in foster care, co-founder Clare wanted to develop Fostering Connect to help streamline the various tasks undertaken by foster carers, while creating a space for children’s voices to be heard. The app stores the children’s memories in a safe location, ensuring GDPR compliance.
The road ahead
Phase 2 will have the participants take part in various workshops, one-to-one mentoring sessions and regular reviews. These will provide essential learning experiences and help each participant evaluate and further evolve their business idea.
For more information on the New Frontiers Programme, click here.