Mullingar businesswoman encourages others to join programme aimed at female entrepreneurs

The call is now open for ambitious female entrepreneurs from Westmeath, who are looking to take their business to the next level, and would like to participate in the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme.

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.

There is no charge to those selected to participate.

This is the 13th year of Going for Growth and more than 750 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme.

Past participants from Westmeath include Mullingar-based Kasia Gaborec-McEvoy of My Name is TED, an Irish luxury leather bag and accessories company, inspired by traditional craftsmanship.

Kasia took part in Going for Growth’s sister programme, Starting Strong, and encourages those interested in applying for the programme.

“Participation in Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth, gave me the confidence and additional knowledge to adopt our business in the uncertain trading environment we faced due to the Pandemic," says Kasia. "More so, it gave me the courage to launch a new product.

"Being part of the group surrounded by such strong and smart female entrepreneurs inspired me to remain optimistic and keep me going with a clear focus. I would highly recommend the programme.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for ambitions female entrepreneurs to meet other ambitious businesses. You will find yourself surrounded by inspiration and support when you need the most.”

A total of 88% of participants on the last cycle of Going for Growth reported that they pivoted their businesses to adapt to challenges raised by Covid-19.

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

Going for Growth participants found that the roundtable sessions translated into practical changes in their business.

The programme is seeking applications from female entrepreneurs – across all sectors – who are strongly focussed on growth. Ideally, businesses should be well established and trading for at least two years.

Applications will also be considered from highly innovative entrepreneurs with significant growth expectations at an earlier stage of their development if they have already generated some sales.

Sixty places will be available for the programme which will run from January to June 2021 and the deadline for applications is Friday, December 18.

Anyone interested is encouraged to register on the website goingforgrowth.com and a link to the application form will be sent to them.

Those selected for the initiative join interactive round table sessions led by Lead Entrepreneurs. The Lead Entrepreneurs are successful business women 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 four previous Going for Growth participants: Dr. Anne Cusack, Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Gillian O’Dowd, Azon Recruitment Group and Oonagh O’Hagan, Meagher’s Pharmacy Group.

Áine Denn, co-founder and formerly of Altify, and Breege O’Donoghue, formally of Primark, will lead Continuing the Momentum round tables. This is a further development programme for former participants of Going for Growth.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland, says:

“Enterprise Ireland is very proud to partner with Going for Growth and sees great synergy with the focus of this initiative on helping women-led businesses to become more resilient and to scale nationally and internationally.

“Supporting ambitious business women to start and to grow enterprises is a priority for Enterprise Ireland. A key objective of Enterprise Ireland’s Women in Business Action Plan is to strengthen the diversity of management teams in existing businesses and to further increase the number and the impact of female-led business, for the benefit of the economy.”