The New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme 2012 (NFP) is an Enterprise Ireland funded national programme that offers a menu of support for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea in the Knowledge Based, High Tech & IT sectors.

The overarching aim of the National Programme is to accelerate the development of sustainable new businesses across the regions which have strong employment and high growth potential. Based on technology / innovative business applications from high-quality promoters, the intensive entrepreneurship development aims to deliver a steady stream of regionally significant sustainable enterprises, the majority of which are expected to become Enterprise Ireland or County Enterprise Board clients.

The programme consists of 3 Phases

Phase 1 – Testing. Delivered part time in evenings and/or weekends this phase focuses on testing the business idea and selecting participants for Phase 2. The output of this stage is a feasibility study “The Case for Phase 2 Inclusion” which will be presented to a selection panel.

Phase 2 - Planning. This phase aimed at entrepreneurs with a viable business concept, is 6 months in duration, is intensive and requires full time commitment by the promoter. As well as comprehensive training and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and business experts the successful participants will receive hotdesking in either Invent DCU or RDC, DkIT for the duration of this phase. The output of this phase is an investor ready business plan, with implementation plan and milestones.

Phase 3. Commercialisation. During this phase of between 3 and 6 months, participants will continue to develop in an incubation environment with further tailored supports to build the team, raise the necessary finances and achieve their first sales.

Currently Phase 1 of the programme is being delivered in two centres: the Regional Development Centre, DkIT and Invent DCU. During this 6 week first phase, participants are developing the business case behind their idea and preparing a plausible case for continuation onto Phase 2 of the NFP.

Between 10 and 12 will be selected to join Phase 2 of the programme which will commence in late May 2012.

Applications forms for Direct Entry onto Phase 2 of the programme are available from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Closing date is Tuesday May 8th 5pm.