The call is now open for ambitious female entrepreneurs from Donegal to apply for the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the 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 15th year of Going for Growth and more than 850 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme.

A total of 88% of participants on the 14th Going for Growth programme reported that their involvement brought about practical change within their business and 93% said they felt nearer to achieving their ambitions.

All participants said they would recommend Going for Growth to others.

Past participants from Donegal include Larissa Feeney of Accountant Online, an online financial technology services company providing clients with a secure and easy service for forming a company, launching and scaling the business.

Larissa Feeney

According to Larissa, participating in Going for Growth played a crucial part in supporting her to grow the business. “It was extremely helpful to realise that I was not alone in the challenges I faced in growing my business, and that my problems were not unique. I got superb support and help from the other entrepreneurs in my group. And just as important was the time and space it gave me to step back from the day-to-day business issues, and focus on the business itself”, she said.

Clare Ryan, also based in Donegal, is the co-founder and CEO of ITUS Secure Technologies, a cybersecurity company that truly aims to simplify cybersecurity management for SMEs. Clare took part in Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses.

Clare Ryan and Susan Spence (SoftCo) Starting Strong

Clare says: “Applying for the Starting Strong programme was one of the best decisions I have made to date. There is a real sense of community among the participants and it’s the power of your network that keeps you going.”

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.

Up to 60 places will be available for the 15th cycle of Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2023. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 18, 2022. There is no charge for those selected. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to visit the website goingforgrowth.com.