Last Chance for Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs to Apply for Going for Growth Development Programme

Only a few days remain for ambitious female entrepreneurs to send in their applications for the 17th cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, Going for Growth aids female business owners as they seek to increase revenue, create employment, and export into new markets.

The programme is for female entrepreneurs in any sector across the country who are serious about growing their business. There is no charge for those selected to participate.

The 17th cycle will mark a major milestone for Going for Growth, with the programme set to accept its 1,000th female entrepreneur since its launch in 2008. Some 60 places are available for the new six-month cycle, which is due to begin with a one-day Launch Forum on January 14, 2025.

The deadline for applications for the Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 15th. Application forms can be requested from the website – www.GoingforGrowth.com.

The programme brings together female entrepreneurs — past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Shauna Delaney of Liberty HomeCare, and Margaret Rae of Konree Innovation — for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions.

These discussions are facilitated by successful businesswomen, known as Lead Entrepreneurs, whose participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism. An incredible EIGHT of this year’s 11 Lead Entrepreneurs themselves are former participants of Going for Growth.

They are Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Hannah Wrixon, of Kella and formerly WrkWrk; Jeananne O’Brien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora O’Brien, formerly Pharmapod; Marissa Carter, Carter Beauty; Oonagh O’Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group; and Tara Beattie, Prepsheets.com. The other three highly successful Lead Entrepreneurs are Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip; Monica Flood, formerly Olas IT, and Susan Spence, formerly SoftCo.

Going for Growth has been repeatedly recognised by the EU, OECD, and European Institute of Gender Equality as a key initiative in helping to foster greater ambition among female entrepreneurs and to support their growth aspirations.

Between Going for Growth (54) and Starting Strong (28), 82 participants were involved in the 16th cycle. In total, their combined turnover increased from €95.2 million to €105.4 million over the six-month cycle. This represents an increase of €10.2 million (10.7%). They also grew their number of employees by 132 (79 full-time, 53 part-time) to 792 (566 full-time, 226 part-time) over the six months.

An end of cycle survey of participants from the 16th cycle of Going for Growth, including Starting Strong, revealed that 93% said that the programme met their expectations and 91% said that they felt nearer to achieving their growth ambitions. All participants reported that they would recommend the programme to others and planned to stay in contact with others from the programme.

The support provided does not end on completion of the six-month cycle, with most past participants becoming part of the Going for Growth community. Going for Growth alumni can apply to participate in the Continuing the Momentum programme, which offers Lead Entrepreneur-facilitated roundtables to those looking to continue their growth journey, with the aid of peer support, focused goals, and milestones. Lead Entrepreneurs Aine Denn, formerly Altify, and Fiona O’Carroll, The Digital Mindset, will facilitate the round tables for Continuing the Momentum.

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, said:

“Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and supporting them at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. We strongly believe that key to Ireland’s economic success is a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem which utilises the skills, ambition, and talent of a diverse population.

Our partnership with Going for Growth is an important element in fostering a supportive ecosystem, as this programme provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders on their business journey, as they scale and grow and work to achieve their global ambition. With the excellent resources, learning and networking opportunities, we would encourage anyone considering this opportunity to engage and wish the next cycle a fruitful and rewarding experience.”

Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said:

“KPMG is dedicated to championing female entrepreneurship in Ireland. Through our continued support of Going for Growth, this programme empowers ambitious women with the resources, mentorship, and community they need to elevate their businesses. Just as we proudly support female role models like Leona Maguire, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Rachel Blackmore in sports, we are equally passionate about helping women excel in business.

With invaluable guidance from Lead Entrepreneurs, KPMG workshops and strong peer networks, participants gain the insights and support needed to drive inclusive, innovative growth—fostering a thriving future for women in entrepreneurship across Ireland.”

National Director of Going for Growth, Paula Fitzsimons, said:

“Going for Growth has a proven track record of helping established female entrepreneurs to fulfil their growth ambitions. Feedback from past participants reveals the effectiveness of the programme at increasing revenue, staff numbers, and supporting businesses as they expand into new markets in Ireland and abroad.

Going for Growth adds value to the businesses of the programme’s participants, which in turn adds value to the country’s economy. I am delighted that the programme is returning for another six-month cycle, and I would encourage all female entrepreneurs with ambitions to grow their businesses to submit their applications.”