Going for Growth issues final call to women entrepreneurs

Female entrepreneurs have until 25 November to apply for the Going for Growth programme starting next January.

It’s open to enterprising women all over the country who are at least two years in business, own at least 50pc of their companies, and who are working full-time and focused on growth.  

Participants will be offered a, peer-led learning environment with successful Irish businesswomen acting as ‘lead’ entrepreneurs for the duration of the programme.

Lead entrepreneurs include Colette Twomey, chief executive of the Clonakilty Black Pudding Company, Eileen Bergin, founder of Butler’s Pantry, Elaine Coughlan, Julie Colclough, founder and CEO of Eurobase, and Lulu O’Sullivan, executive chairman and founder of GiftsDirect.com.

According to Paula Fitzsimons, national director and founder of Going for Growth, the economic downturn has not put a halt to the huge entrepreneurial spirit that exists amongst Irish businesswomen.

“Ireland needs all the entrepreneurial talent available to it and Irish women have a major role to play in delivering the economic benefits and job creation opportunities that successful entrepreneurship can bring. Going for Growth is designed to support women to fully exploit their entrepreneurial talent and potential,” she said.

The 60 businesswomen from around Ireland who participated in the last cycle of Going for Growth had a combined turnover of €42m and employed almost 450 people.

During the cycle most participants increased their turnover by an average of 10pc, created an additional 45 jobs and several become exporters for the first time. Over 150 women entrepreneurs have taken part in the programme to date.

The Going for Growth programme is funded by the European Social Fund, Enterprise Ireland and the Equality for Women Measure, Department of Justice and Equality.  Graduates include Nikki Evans of PerfectCard, named WMB Entrepreneur of the Year 2010, and Nicola Byrne of 11890.

Businesswomen interested in applying for the programme can access information and download application forms here.