Kildare female entrepreneurs complete Going for Growth programme

Kildare 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, November 15. 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.

Past participants from Kildare include Michelle Lawlor, co-founder of the Nude Wine Company which delivers wine nationwide across Ireland and offers a unique range of Irish-made and produced gifts to complement their award-winning wine selection.  Michelle’s extensive background includes roles as an educator in Ireland, sommelier in the UK, wine trader in Hong Kong, and cellar-hand in Italy and New Zealand. 

Michelle, who was a participant on Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses, in 2021 and has just completed the 16^th cycle of Going for Growth says: “If someone ever suggests to you that you apply for Going for Growth, do it! It has the power to transform you and your business! Our Lead Entrepreneur provided guidance and expertise which has been invaluable. Her understanding of the business requirements, strategy and politics, combined with her insights, has empowered me to take my business to new heights. The Going for Growth programme provided clear, actionable steps that have made a tangible difference in our growth trajectory. The network and support system fostered here is the best thing about it. Having a group of peers, who happen to be women, within the programme is unparalleled, offering continuous motivation and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend Going for Growth to any entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level.”

Fused by Fiona Uyema is an award winning premium Asian food company with a range of retail products stocked in major retailers across Ireland and further afield. Fiona has just completed the 16^thcycle of Going for Growth. 

She says: “The Going for Growth programme gave me access to a unique network of female entrepreneurs in different industries with incredible experience and insights. The programme has helped me drive my business to the next level and overcome challenges along the way. And the bonus is  I’ve forged trusted relationships and friendships that are so supportive and fantastic sounding boards.”

The 17^th 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.   

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.”

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. An incredible 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.

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."

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. 

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.”