Louth female entrepreneurs urged to apply for Going for Growth programme

Louth businesswomen are encouraging female entrepreneurs — who have ambition to grow their businesses — to apply for the 17^th cycle of 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 deadline for applications for Going for Growth is midnight on Friday 15 November. Application forms can be requested from the website – www.goingforgrowth.com.    

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. Female entrepreneurs from any sector who are focused on growth are encouraged to apply. There is no charge for those selected, thanks to the support of Enterprise Ireland, KPMG and the Lead Entrepreneurs who operate in a voluntary capacity.

Rachel Hanna is the founder of Bell Media, a media company with an ambition to foster a culture of innovation in school communities and inspire young people internationally. Based in Dundalk, Rachel completed the 15thcycle of Going for Growth. 

Rachel says: “Going for Growth is an absolute game changer for women in business. From the get-go you are surrounded by like-minded women and an experienced entrepreneur, all of whom force you into taking immediate action on your goals.

"Thinking of the bigger picture and why you are doing what you are doing becomes clearer as the sessions evolve. Deep Dives, learning curves, new friendships and great insight come as a result. You will have immediate access to a network of high calibre ladies who will help you focus and take accountability for your actions, or lack thereof. This is a very clever programme, engaging, challenging, welcoming and life changing.  If you are ready to move to the next level – Don’t miss the opportunities that Going for Growth will afford you.”

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. Going for Growth brings together female entrepreneurs for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions, facilitated by successful businesswomen, known as Lead Entrepreneurs, whose participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism. 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, Kella Leadership; 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. 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.” 

Log onto www.goingforgrowth.com for more details.