Female entrepreneurs invited to apply for an award winning business development course
Ambitious female entrepreneurs from Westmeath have been invited to apply for the latest cycle of an award winning business development initiative.
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 fourteenth year of Going for Growth and more than 800 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme. December 16 is the closing date for applications.
A total of 91% of participants on the thirteenth Going for Growth programme reported that they pivoted their businesses to adapt to prevailing circumstances, and an overwhelming 98% said that their participation in the programme brought about practical change within their business.
The figures, which were gathered in their end of cycle survey, show the resilience and determination of the entrepreneurs on the programme – and the value of the peer support they received while participating.
The 56 participants who took part in the thirteenth Going for Growth programme grew net employment during the six months of the programme by 163 – an additional 93 full-time and 70 part-time jobs.
They had a combined turnover of almost €162 million at the start of the cycle, which had grown to €176.25 million at its conclusion – representing an increase of €14.25 million (8.8%).
Past participants from Westmeath include Kasia Gaborec-McEvoy of luxury leather bag and accessory brand My Name is TED. Kasia took part in Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses.
Kasia says: “I would highly recommend Starting Strong. Being part of the female entrepreneur network is very valuable and gives you support and advice from like minded women who are in a similar position to you and can share experiences which can make a difference to your business and mindset.”
The programme is seeking applications from female entrepreneurs – across all sectors – who are strongly focussed on growth. Ideally, businesses should be well established. Applications will also be considered from highly innovative entrepreneurs at an earlier stage of their development if they have already generated some sales and are focused on growth in export markets. (Eligibility criteria in notes below)
Up to sixty places will be available for the fourteenth cycle of Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2022 and the deadline for applications is Thursday, December 16. There is no charge for those selected. Anyone interested is encouraged to register on the website goingforgrowth.com and a link to the application form will be sent to them.