An award-winning business development scheme for female entrepreneurs determined to grow their businesses have begun accepting applications this week for the 16th year of the programme.
Going for Growth, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, helps ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth ambitions – helping to build stronger companies, create new jobs and increase revenues.
Up to 60 places will be available and applications are sought from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focused on growth. There is no charge for those selected and the six-month initiative will begin in January 2024.
The programme brings together female entrepreneurs for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions facilitated by successful businesswomen. They are known as Lead Entrepreneurs. Their participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism and the wish to share their experience and insights with others at an earlier stage of their growth journey.
The 15th cycle of Going for Growth reported significant results for its 69 participants. Combined turnover increased from €80.6m at the start of the cycle to almost €92.3m by the end, almost a 15% increase in just six months. Their combined workforce increased by 118 people over the cycle, while nine participants began exporting their products and services for the first time.
Feedback from the previous cycle was also extremely positive, with 96% of participants saying their involvement brought about practical change within their business and 97% saying they felt nearer to achieving their ambitions.
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.
The deadline for applications for the 16th cycle of Going for Growth is Friday, 17th November, 2023.
