24 Emerging Entrepreneurs. 24 Seasoned Entrepreneurs. 24 Hours.
AxisBIC’s Entrepreneur Experience is one of Ireland’s most established entrepreneurship programmes, bringing together ambitious emerging entrepreneurs with some of Ireland’s most experienced business leaders.
The 2026 Entrepreneur Experience takes place on 16–17 October at Ballymaloe, Co. Cork.
While organised by AxisBIC, the event wouldn’t be possible without our partners – Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Broadlake, Quintas Capital, Forvis Mazars, Cyber Innovate at MTU and Media Partner, The Currency.
Since 2011, the programme has supported 355 emerging entrepreneurs whose businesses have gone on to secure more than €500 million in investment. For founders ready to gain honest feedback, challenge their assumptions and accelerate growth, this could be the most valuable 24 hours they spend all year.
Over the past five years, an average of 48% of the emerging businesses that participated in the programme were founded or co-founded by women.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed.
What is the Entrepreneur Experience™?
The Entrepreneur Experience™ is a unique founder development programme that connects emerging and scaling entrepreneurs with Ireland’s leading business leaders in an open, supportive, and highly practical environment.
Through a series of facilitated mentoring sessions, workshops, peer discussions, and informal networking opportunities, participants receive honest feedback, real-world insights, and practical guidance from people who have successfully navigated the challenges of building businesses.
Unlike traditional conferences or seminars, every conversation is focused on helping entrepreneurs solve real business challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
Participants leave with new perspectives, valuable connections, and actionable strategies to help move their businesses forward.
Who Should Apply?
The Entrepreneur Experience™ is designed for ambitious founders who are serious about growth like:
- Founders and co-founders of early-stage and scaling businesses
- Entrepreneurs preparing for investment, expansion, or significant growth milestones
- Business leaders seeking strategic guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and investors
- Companies from all sectors including technology, AI, SaaS, fintech, food, consumer products, life sciences, medtech, sustainability, manufacturing, and professional services
Whether you are refining your growth strategy, exploring new markets, building your leadership capability, or preparing to raise investment, the Entrepreneur Experience™ can help accelerate your progress.
Our Partners
Why Apply?
- Expert Mentoring: Gain personal access to Ireland’s leading founders, investors, and CEOs for 24 hours of honest, authentic advice.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Connect with 23 other ambitious founders — share insights, challenges, and strategies in a trusted, supportive environment.
- Proven Outcomes: Alumni have raised over €500 million since the event began, with many securing seed and growth funding within months.
- Join an extensive Alumni: Join community of over 350 Entrepreneurs
What Previous Participants Say
“This is the most inspiring business event I’ve been to. It was a joy to exchange stories with fellow alumnus Ian Kehoe and to connect with so many wonderful entrepreneur stories. It is a special group.” – Damien Kennedy, CEO & Founder, Wheyhey
Our Partners
