Former participant Anne Reilly of Paycheck Plus encourages others to apply
The call is open for ambitious female entrepreneurs from Louth, who are looking to take their business to the next level, 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. Deadline for applications is December 16th.
A total of 91% of participants on the 13th 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 56 participants in the 13th 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%).
The survey also found that seven participants from the programme started exporting for the first time – which is quite a feat during a global pandemic.
Going for Growth participants found that the round table sessions translated into practical changes in their business. All participants said they would recommend the programme to others.
Past participants from Louth include Anne Reilly of payroll service provider Paycheck Plus. A recipient of global awards, Anne and the Paycheck Plus team manages Irish and UK payrolls for domestic and international organisations of all sizes. Anne encourages anyone interested in in further developing and growing their business to apply for Going for Growth.
Anne says: “The opportunity to share learnings, concerns and issues with like-minded female entrepreneurs in an open, trusting relationship was invaluable. I have no doubt that the success of Paycheck Plus was influenced by the topic, discussions and decisions made during our monthly sessions together. There’s no doubt that we all learn through experience but we can also develop that experience through shared learning with others. Going For Growth enriched my experience and I would strongly recommend the programme for those determined to advance their business to the next level.”
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 14th cycle of Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2022 and the deadline for applications is Thursday, December 16, 2021. 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.
Those selected for the Going for Growth initiative join interactive round table sessions led by successful business women with personal experience of growing a business.
Some of this year’s Lead Entrepreneurs include five previous Going for Growth participants: Dr. Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Gillian O’Dowd, Azon Recruitment Group, Jeananne O’Brien, Artizan Food Co. and Oonagh O’Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group.
The other Lead Entrepreneurs include Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip and Monica Flood, formerly Olas IT.
Áine Denn, co-founder and formerly of Altify, and Breege O’Donoghue, formerly of Primark, will lead Continuing the Momentum round tables. This is a further development programme for former participants of Going for Growth.
