Pictured are: Olive O'Donoghue, Partner, Tax 乐鱼（Leyu）体育官网, Jennie Haire, CEO & Co-founder Gigi Supplements, Carol Gibbons, Enterprise Ireland, Oonagh O'Hagan, MD and owner of Meaghers Pharmacy Group and Going for Growth Lead Entrepreneur.
The 17th cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning programme for ambitious female entrepreneurs determined to grow their businesses, came to a close at a special celebration in Dublin on 10th June.
The Going for Growth programme is designed to support female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth ambitions, by growing their sales, creating additional employment and winning new exports. Going for Growth is sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and 乐鱼（Leyu）体育官网.
A total of 53 female entrepreneurs completed the six-month programme this year. This cycle marked a major milestone as it welcomed its 1,000 participant onto the programme since it started 17 years ago.
The vital support of Lead Entrepreneurs
Those selected for the Going for Growth initiative joined interactive round table sessions facilitated by successful businesswomen, known as Lead Entrepreneurs, whose participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism.
This year鈥檚 Lead Entrepreneurs for Going for Growth were: Fidelma McGuirk, Hannah Wrixon, Jeananne O鈥橞rien, Monica Flood, Oonagh O鈥橦agan, Susan Spence and Tara Beattie.
Why does Going for Growth matter?
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.
Some 57 female entrepreneurs who took part in the 16th cycle of Going for Growth reported growing their revenue and number of employees.
A survey of participants from the previous cycle of Going for Growth revealed that 94% said that the programme met their expectations and 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.
Just as we proudly support female role models like Leona Maguire, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Rachael Blackmore in sports, we are equally passionate about helping women excel in business.
Hear from the participants
The programmes have been a super asset to me personally and professionally since 2018. When you go through the stages of business and meet challenges, obstacles and equally successes, it is so lovely to have a roundtable of like-minded businesswomen to discuss these with, gain advice from, and of course learn from your Lead Entrepreneur. I just can鈥檛 rate the Lead Entrepreneurs that I had and the programmes highly enough.
Going for Growth gave me so much more than a once-a-month check in. With the help from my Lead Entrepreneur and my fellow entrepreneurs, through engaging discussions and expert-led workshops, I've gained new strategies for managing and growing my business. The collaborative environment has not only inspired me, but also equipped me with practical tools to enhance my business.
You know right from the start that you are in safe hands, in an unwaveringly warm and supportive environment led by women who started their businesses, scaled them successfully and may even have exited them. There鈥檚 no substitute for the meeting we do in person, discussions with our peers, and invaluable advice shared. It鈥檚 incredibly helpful and a terrific support.
Hear from the organisers
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鈥檚 participants, which in turn adds value to the country鈥檚 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.
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鈥檚 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.
Get in touch
For further information on the Going for Growth programme, please contact Olivia Lynch, partner, 乐鱼（Leyu）体育官网.
Olivia Lynch
Partner
乐鱼（Leyu）体育官网 in Ireland
