Programmes
Our Key Programmes for Startups
At AxisBIC, we support entrepreneurs at every stage — whether you’re just starting out, fine-tuning your business model, exploring funding options, or gearing up to scale.
Through a range of Enterprise Ireland–backed funds and programmes and our own dedicated Growth Pathway Programme, we help ambitious startups in the region fast-track their growth.
Our tailored programmes give you the guidance, resources, and connections you need to build a stronger business foundation and seize new opportunities.
Prep4Seed
A 12-week intensive investor-readiness programme delivered nationally by the Irish BICs on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.
iHPSU
Supporting High Growth Irish-led Startups accelerate their international expansion and secure Innovative High Potential Start Up Funding (iHPSU).
PreSeed+
A focused 6-week accelerator for early-stage teams, to validate the market, map the roadmap, and build the financial plan, through targeted workshops and 1:1 sessions.
Next Wave
The NextWave Programme is a 10-week+ national accelerator designed exclusively for women founders, delivered nationally by the Irish BICs on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.
Growth Pathway Programme
AxisBIC has developed a unique programme involving SMEs, Start-ups, business leaders and our partners focussed on building the next generation of high performance companies. The Growth Pathway Programme contains 3 different initiatives The Entrepreneur Experience®; The Venture Academy® and The Startup Showcase
PSSF (Pre-Seed Start Fund)
Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) provides early-stage companies with up to €100,000 by way of a convertible loan note (CLN) to help with the costs associated with developing their business plan. PSSF is designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage start-up companies in Ireland that have the capacity and ambition to succeed in global markets. If you are eligible to apply for the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) AxisBIC will work with you as you complete your application, providing guidance and feedback throughout the application process.
iHPSU
iHPSU – Supporting High Growth Irish-led Startups accelerate their international expansion and secure Innovative High Potential Start Up Funding (iHPSU). High Potential Start-Ups are internationally focused, have developed a minimal viable product (MVP) and have demonstrated some commercial traction. A HPSU is a start-up venture that is: Introducing a new product or service to international markets that is truly innovative and disruptive, with some form of protectable IP.
Prep4Seed
A 12-week intensive investor-readiness programme delivered nationally by the Irish BICs on behalf of Enterprise Ireland. Selected start-ups participate in five masterclasses delivered by each of the BICs covering a broad range of areas including Sales & Marketing, Financial Modelling, Market Validation, Pitching & Investment and Company Foundation. Participating companies also receive one-to-one mentoring sessions and are brought through intensive investor pitch preparation sessions and trial pitches with AxisBIC.
PreSeed+
Pre-Seed+ is a milestone focused programme, which aims to assist successful applicants to Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund with the achievement of agreed commercial, technical and funding milestones as set-out in their funding application. This structured 6-week programme is tailored to support your company to meet and deliver on your PSSF commercial, technical, and financial milestones. The programme covers essential aspects including market validation, technical roadmaps, and financial planning.
Next Wave
A 10-week national accelerator designed exclusively for women founders. Through an energised mix of structured learning, mentorship, and peer connection, participants will validate their ideas, refine compelling narratives, and build momentum toward investor readiness. At the heart of the programme is a high-trust, founder-first community that provides lasting support, shared ambition, and an environment where women founders can thrive. The programme is open to high-potential women founders ready to commit to an intensive and challenging experience.
Growth Pathway Programme
AxisBIC has developed a unique programme involving SMEs, Start-ups, business leaders and our partners focussed on building the next generation of high performance companies. The Growth Pathway Programme contains 3 different initiatives The Entrepreneur Experience®; The Venture Academy® and The Startup Showcase.