Going for Growth

_{Pictured at the launch of the programme are left to right: Olivia Lynch, KPMG, Oonagh O’Hagan, Owner Meaghers Pharmacy Group and Lead Entrepreneur, Áine Kerr, Entrepreneur and Broadcaster and Sinead Lonergan, Enterprise Ireland}

The 15th cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning programme for ambitious female entrepreneurs, launched on January 16th, with 70 female entrepreneurs selected.

The programme, which Enterprise Ireland and KPMG support, is designed to assist these entrepreneurs in achieving their growth ambitions, helping create new jobs and growing their sales. Over the past 15 years, 850 business women have participated in this unique programme. Past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Derval O’Rourke, athlete and founder of Derval.ie, and Vanessa Creaven of Spotlight Oral Care. 

In addition to the vital support of Lead Entrepreneurs who will offer insights into their entrepreneurial journey, KPMG’s experts will facilitate a series of workshops and share their expertise with this year’s entrepreneurs on a wide range of business matters, such as tax, raising finance, employment matters and much more. 

Commenting on the programme, Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said: "KPMG is committed to encouraging domestic entrepreneurship and supporting female entrepreneurs in achieving their growth aspirations. As part of our commitment to diversity, we are passionate about ensuring females have the supports they need to succeed. We are delighted to continue supporting Going for Growth; this is an exceptional programme for ambitious women looking to take their businesses to the next level.

With the invaluable expertise and encouragement of the Lead Entrepreneurs, this programme engages participants with insights and experiences to succeed and connects them with their peers to boost entrepreneurship in Ireland."

"Increasing support for ambitious female entrepreneurship is a key national priority and Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Going for Growth. I believe our close partnership with Going for Growth provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving global ambition. Strong peer groups, wonderful Lead Entrepreneurs, excellent formal learning opportunities and frameworks for business growth make this a "must consider" for anyone seeking to accelerate her business."

"Going for Growth has recognised from the outset that it is not just about the numbers of men and women that are starting a business that is important. That is only one part of the challenge. The other challenge relates to the potential impact of the entrepreneurial effort of those men and women, not only in the early days but over the life of the business. The objective of Going for Growth is to encourage female entrepreneurs to become more ambitious; to support them to achieve their growth aspirations; and to realise the full potential of their businesses, on Irish and export markets, throughout the lifetime of their business."