Ambitious female entrepreneurs being sought for 14th cycle of Going for Growth programme

Participants on an award-winning development programme for ambitious female entrepreneurs reported strong growth over the last year despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.

Those taking part in the 13^th cycle of Going for Growth showed total revenues growing over the cycle, additional employment being created and the number of exporters increasing while trading through the pandemic.   

Female entrepreneurs sought for Going for Growth

Going for Growth is a six-month, part-time programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, which assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations.

The call is now open (from today Monday 8^th November) for applications for the 14^th cycle of the programme which is seeking applications from female entrepreneurs – across all sectors – who are strongly focused on growth.

Up to 60 places will be available for the 14^th cycle of Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2022 and the deadline for applications is Thursday, December 16, 2021. There is no charge for those selected.

Figures released today show that the 56 participants who took part in the 13^th Going for Growth programme grew net employment during the six months of the programme by 163 – an additional 93 full-time and 70 part-time jobs.

They had a combined turnover of almost €162 million at the start of the cycle, which had grown to €176.25 million at its conclusion – representing an increase of €14.25 million (8.8%).

A total of 91% of participants on the Going for Growth programme reported that they pivoted their businesses to adapt to prevailing circumstances, and an overwhelming 98% said that their participation in the programme brought about practical change within their business.

The figures, which were gathered in their end of cycle survey, show the resilience and determination of the entrepreneurs on the programme – and the value of the peer support they received while participating.

The survey also found that seven participants from the programme started exporting for the first time – which is a considerable feat during a global pandemic.

Going for Growth participants found that the roundtable sessions they participated in translated into practical changes in their business. All participants said they would recommend the programme to others.

This marks the start of the 14^th year of Going for Growth and more than 800 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme.  Anyone interested is encouraged to register on the website goingforgrowth.com and a link to the application form will be sent to them.

Ideally, businesses applying should be well established. In exceptional cases, businesses at an earlier stage will be considered if they are generating sales, and it is felt that the business is highly innovative, plans to have export customers and the entrepreneur has significant growth ambitions. If accepted, these participants are included in the ‘Starting Strong’ element of the programme.

Those selected for the Going for Growth initiative join interactive round table sessions led by Lead Entrepreneurs. The Lead Entrepreneurs are successful businesswomen with personal experience of growing a business.

These high-profile business leaders volunteer their time to encourage participants to set and achieve personalised goals and milestones to address the opportunities and challenges they face in driving growth in their businesses.

Some of this year’s Lead Entrepreneurs include five previous Going for Growth participants: Dr. Anne Cusack, Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Gillian O’Dowd, Azon Recruitment Group, Jeananne O’Brien, Artizan Food Co. and Oonagh O’Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group.

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, says: “Increasing support for ambitious female entrepreneurship is a key national priority and Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Going for Growth. Strong peer groups, wonderful Lead Entrepreneurs, excellent formal learning opportunities and frameworks for business growth make this a ‘must consider’ for anyone seeking to accelerate her business.”

 Olivia Lynch, Partner KPMG, says: “The results of this year’s programme speak to the remarkable resilience of these women in the most challenging of market circumstances. Women in Ireland continue to be underrepresented amongst our entrepreneurship community, but with the right support, have the potential to contribute significantly more to our economy.”

Log onto www.goingforgrowth.com for more details.