Having received funding to run an 8th cycle of its Going for Growth programme, the call has gone out to all female entrepreneurs to consider this programme as a way of developing their businesses, and themselves. The programme is open to women entrepreneurs, across all sectors, whose main business is located in the Republic of Ireland. Whatever the size of the business at present, the application will be considered if a strong growth ambition can be demonstrated. There is no cost to suitable candidates; this cycle of Going for Growth is being supported by Enterprise Ireland and by KPMG.
To date, Going for Growth has supported over 400 entrepreneurs over the last seven years. The cycle just completed had the best outcomes to date. In the 7th cycle, average revenue growth of 30% was experienced by 82% of participants during the six months of the cycle, an additional 94 new jobs were created (+13%), bringing the combined employment to 828. In addition, there were 6 first-time exporters (+25%). These outcomes set the standard of what Going for Growth wants to achieve, and if possible exceed, in the eighth cycle.
Ambitious women entrepreneurs will gain most from participation in the initiative. The number and quality of the candidates that apply determines the quality of the round table groups and the value derived by each participant.
Co Clare female entrepreneurs who have participated in and benefited from being on Going for Growth include: Anne Behan, Áine Knitwear; Ciara O’Halloran, The Red Bank Food Company; Claire Bannon, Avokado & Co; Malin Kelly, Modig Corporate Services Ltd; and Marie Clifford, Advanced Technical Concepts, while one of lead entrepreneurs, Miriam Byrne of City Analysts, also has a base in Shannon.
To be considered suitable for participation, applicants should already be the owner manager of a business of which she is a major shareholder and key influencer. Suitable applicants need to demonstrate significant aspiration for growth and should be working full time on the business. It is expected that the business will have been trading for at least two years. Only in exceptional cases will a business at an earlier stage be considered. Applications from those who have been trading for a shorter period must demonstrate that the product/service is highly innovative in nature, has a longer development cycle than the norm and has exceptional growth potential.
If this description fits someone you know, and you would like them to be considered for inclusion in the forthcoming cycle, then please ask them to register their interest on the website www.goingforgrowth.com<http://www.goingforgrowth.com> to received an application form.
Please note that the final date for receipt of completed application forms is 25th November 2015.
