The South East's flagship founder programme — connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with elite mentors, expert workshops, investors and growth opportunities across the region.
Applications Open
"You don't need to leave the South East to access world-class mentorship, capital and opportunity."
The Academy is delivered by Waterford Chamber and proudly supported by business patrons. Together, we're building a more connected ecosystem — one that supports founders, creates jobs and drives long-term economic growth.
Matched with founders, operators and investors who've built and scaled in Ireland and beyond.
Practical, monthly sessions led by specialists — designed to move the needle on your business.
Open doors that would normally take years to find on your own.
Regular gatherings throughout the cohort to keep you plugged in to the regional community.
Get your story, deck and numbers in shape — ready for serious conversations.
Pitch what you've built to a room of investors, mentors and the regional press.
A €250 refundable contribution is required only after selection to confirm your place — fully refunded as a contribution to your business seed fund on successful completion. It ensures commitment, accountability and equal access to opportunity.
Each participant is matched with mentors based on their stage, sector and growth goals. Additional mentors are sourced based on cohort needs.
Plus additional mentors sourced to match this cohort's needs.
Only a select number of founders will be chosen for this inaugural cohort. All applications are reviewed by the Waterford Chamber Executive and programme mentors. Confidential feedback is provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Delivered by Waterford Chamber, with our prominent partners and the support of regional enterprise leaders.
The Academy is funded through business patronage and is free for all selected participants. A €250 refundable contribution is required only after selection — and is fully refunded as a contribution to your business seed fund on successful completion.
1:1 mentoring with experienced business leaders, expert workshops on growth, finance, sales and strategy, access to founders, investors and decision-makers, networking events across the South East, investor and pitch readiness coaching, and a final Innovation Showcase event.
The Academy runs for 6 months. Plan for around 4–6 hours per month across 1:1 mentoring, monthly workshops, networking events and a final showcase pitch — designed to fit alongside running your business.
Early-stage founders, startups ready to grow, side-hustlers turning ideas into businesses, SMEs looking to scale, and graduates or professionals launching ventures. Based in or building in the South East.
Only a select number of founders are chosen for this inaugural cohort. Applications are reviewed by the Waterford Chamber Executive and programme mentors, and assessed on ambition, growth potential, coachability, commitment and strength of business idea. Confidential feedback is provided to all unsuccessful applicants.
Applications close 31 May 2026. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after, with the cohort kicking off shortly after.
The Academy is delivered by Waterford Chamber in partnership with Waterford Local Enterprise Office and Klearcom, with support from Enterprise Ireland, Propellor, New Frontiers, SETU and WCCC.
Join a selective cohort of founders committed to growth — with the mentors, network and accountability to back it up.