Adrienne Magnier Zarasyl
Going for Growth is more than just a very practical programme for female entrepreneurs, it is a vibrant community that you become part of, that supports you as you go through your entrepreneurial journey. Going for Growth is willing every participant to succeed. It is extremely professional in how it is run – everyone’s time is valued, you get access to specialist experts in a range of areas, you get the support of experienced professional Lead Entrepreneurs and of course you get to widen your network with other like-minded female entrepreneurs. I feel genuinely blessed to have been accepted on the programme and to now be part of the community.
Aisling Connaughton Cyd Connects
Going for Growth is a transformational programme supporting female founders on the road to success. The UN Secretary General has published research that clearly shows one of the solutions to the climate crisis is more women in business. Solving the climate crisis means moving away from a traditional “shareholder” business model towards a “stakeholder” model focusing on planet, people and profit. Its proven that women put purpose at the heart of their business and female-led businesses want to serve people and planet rather than just make profit at any cost. That means championing female business leaders is now more important than ever. That’s why The Going for Growth Programme is key – women supporting women to connect, inspire and thrive.
Anita Donoghue Annutri
Going for Growth has been a transformative experience for my business and me. Our Lead Entrepreneur, brought invaluable knowledge and support, creating new opportunities and providing real life examples of successful business strategies. Her balance of kindness, humility, assertiveness, and passion is truly inspirational for any woman entrepreneur. The sessions were incredibly relevant and timely, focusing on essential strategies and structures that many startups overlook. The workshops were exceptional, and the camaraderie among the ladies was inspiring, leading to lasting friendships and professional connections. Since joining the programme, my business has undergone significant improvements. We now have clearly defined roles, better communication, and transparency with KPIs. We’ve implemented essential legal measures, identified our market position, and started a rebrand, all while reducing expenses. Going for Growth exceeded my expectations, providing the foundation and confidence needed to drive my business toward success.
Anne Marie Curran Drury
This programme is a must. If you want an immediate impact, sign up now!
Carley Quigley Grey Dog Events and Communications
I applied for Going for Growth (supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG Ireland) last October when I was forced to stop and slow down because of a tricky wisdom tooth operation. This speaks volumes – it is only by being forced to stop and slow down that this application happened. As a mom, a business owner, a wife, a friend, a daughter, and a sister – I find it difficult to slow down and focus on personal ambition. The programme that Paula Fitzsimons has built forced me to carve out time to focus on Grey Dog – its future and my position within that story. This is the start of the next chapter of Grey Dog – and with programmes like this, everything feels possible!
Clare Connolly Clare Connolly Estate Agent
Going for Growth has transformed my business. It has allowed me to think bigger, to think outside the box, and to believe that anything is possible with the right mindset.
Danielle O’Kelly Timbertrove
Going for Growth has been invaluable to the growth of my business. The opportunity to share the room with like-minded women entrepreneurs was truly excellent. Each session left me feeling energized and motivated, ready to take my business to new heights. I highly recommend this programme to any woman looking to grow her business.
Donna Reilly Donna Reilly People & Wellness
I was extremely lucky to be on a table with a knowledgeable and supportive Lead Entrepreneur, who shared so many insights with us and offered honest feedback and many ideas for future success and growth. I met a group of unbelievable female entrepreneurs and all round super sound and lovely women who I now consider friends. They are all trailblazers in their own right and I honestly can’t wait to see their businesses blow up over the next few months! This programme has been a complete game changer for me in terms of how I view my business and myself. To anyone who is thinking of applying – DO IT! And if you don’t get accepted this year, try again! I applied for three years but knew it would happen when the timing was right, which it did.
Geraldine Jones Skin Formulas
I am thrilled to have successfully completed this year’s cycle of the Going for Growth programme under the guidance of the exceptional Paula Fitzsimons and her team. This transformative programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, has been a highlight of my professional development journey. Having known Paula since my participation in the Pilot ACORNS programme back in 2015, I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment and support. She has not only been an invaluable mentor but also a true inspiration. I am honoured to be part of the incredible community that Paula and her team have cultivated. I am grateful for the camaraderie and support of the talented entrepreneurs at my table throughout the programme. Together, we have navigated the challenges and successes of the past six months, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.
Gráinne Dwyer Heritage
Going for Growth was an instrumental programme for my business, it allowed me to focus on scaling and reprioritising growth for my brand. Our Lead Entrepreneur has incredible global experience and supported our cohort to deliver on the goals we wanted to achieve. The programme motivated me, grew my contact base and resulted in two new contracts working with Going for Growth alumni.
Hannah Sanusi Amurelle
I took part in the 16th cycle of Going for Growth and I can’t recommend or praise the programme more highly. I went into the programme with a vague idea of what my plan was for the coming 6 months to a year and finished with a clear and concise roadmap, and actionable steps to meet these goals. Thank you Paula for facilitating such an incredible initiative for female entrepreneurs in Ireland. I am so excited to see where my business goes in the next year using the roadmap I have created with the help of Going for Growth.
Jenny Johnston Azure Communications
I would highly recommend any ambitious women in business apply to participate in Going for Growth. It is a fantastic programme delivered in a supportive and engaging manner, with fantastic networking opportunities throughout. I found the practical sessions brilliant and the learnings helped drive strategic and sustainable business growth.
Julie Lett GH Lett & Co
As someone who was hesitant as to what benefit Going for Growth would be for me and my 7th generation family business, I was so wrong. This programme opened my eyes to working smart, building a stronger business and having support that I never knew I needed. For anyone thinking of applying- do it! I am envious already of all you have to learn.
Kasia Gaborec-McEvoy My Name is TED
I’m genuinely grateful for all the wisdom and advice I received from the programme, our Lead Entrepreneur and other participants. It is invaluable to me and has made a significant difference in my business and in my confidence to keep going, do what we have planned to do within the business. I would highly recommend the programme to any female founder who is willing to learn, share and grow.
Laragh Standún Standún
Going for Growth was an incredible experience and a valuable learning opportunity. I’ve connected with and made friendships with amazing like-minded women, and being part of the greater Going for Growth community is a true privilege. The programme allowed me the time and space to step away from the day-to-day operations, offering an excellent template to run a better business and achieve future growth.
Lisa Sisk This is Knit
Going for Growth has been the best thing I’ve ever done for my business, hands down. The wealth of support, encouragement and practical advice received at each and every session has just been off the charts. I left each round table meet up with renewed confidence, motivation and energy and I know I’ve made friends for life along the way too. In the past 6 months we have secured funding for significant business expansion, hired several new team members, and witnessed continued growth in our turnover. If you are considering applying to take part in the next cycle of Going for Growth then I just have two words for you: do it!
Liz Nolan Damp Doctor
Going for Growth is an invaluable resource and opportunity for every business. This programme presents an opportunity to gain greater understanding of the key fundamentals in your business, leading to better decision making all round.
Maeve Dennehy Oh Molly
Going for Growth is a programme that offered me structure, focus and accountability, as well as giving me encouragement and direction to grow my business further. The knowledge I gained from other business owners was invaluable and I would strongly recommend this programme.
Marita O’Brien Precia Molen
Going for Growth gave me the network of like-minded business owners that I knew I was lacking. Coming from a second-generation family business, I was completely outside my comfort zone going into the programme and was not sure what to expect. I can now say it was one of the best decisions I have made for me personally and for my business. You will get back in spades what you put in. This community sets you up to take your business to the next level.
Melissa Sheridan Strata
The Going for Growth programme was a very enriching experience that I would highly recommend to any female business owner. For me, the workshops stood out as a highlight, offering deep dives by specialists into highly relevant topics, including all aspects of tax, finances, HR, and law. Additionally, the networking opportunities were invaluable, giving me the chance to connect with like-minded female professionals.
Michelle Lawlor The Nude Wine Company
If someone ever suggests to you that you apply for Going for Growth, do it! It has the power to transform you and your business! Our Lead Entrepreneur provided guidance and expertise which has been invaluable. Her understanding of the business requirements, strategy and politics, combined with her insights, has empowered me to take my business to new heights. The Going for Growth programme provided clear, actionable steps that have made a tangible difference in our growth trajectory. The network and support system fostered here is the best thing about it. Having a group of peers, who happen to be women, within the programme is unparalleled, offering continuous motivation and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend Going for Growth to any entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level. Thank you, Paula, Clodagh, Orla and the Lead Entrepreneurs for your unwavering support and dedication!
Niamh Haughey Frank & Bear
There’s nothing quite like Going for Growth for Irish female entrepreneurs. It’s your own personal inner circle of trusted advisors and peers, people who are going through exactly what you are, and who want to use their skills to help you and your business. It’s hard to describe the impact it can have but it’s guaranteed to be positive, transformative and unconventional.
Niamh Kellett Mixtape Marketing
I had a fantastic experience with Going for Growth, where I gained valuable insights from engaging with fellow female business owners and leaders. The monthly meet-ups were incredibly beneficial, allowing me to build lasting relationships with other entrepreneurs whose advice and perspectives I truly appreciate. If you’re considering business expansion, I highly recommend applying for Going for Growth – it’s a decision you won’t regret.
Niamh Ryan Ella and Jo
Going for Growth is an incredible programme and every female entrepreneur with ambition for her business should apply. Whether you have an incredible idea, you’re in the messy middle of building and growing your business or scaling for significant export growth, every entrepreneur will gain something positive from the experience. I would highly recommend it and in fact I tell everyone I meet about it!
Nicki Hoyne Nicki Hoyne
Going for Growth has been transformational for me as an entrepreneur. The round table peer to peer support has been invaluable. My group supported me, cheered me on and pushed me to take risks I felt unsure about. To be able to return that support and to see others flourish and progress in the 6 months has been so fulfilling. I hope we continue to meet regularly. Going for Growth is really something very special.
Noreen Mangan What Women Want
Going for Growth encouraged and supported me to develop my business to be more profitable. Meeting and confiding with a team of 8 successful businesswomen monthly really helped me explore and make better decisions for my business.
Paula Cuddihy Urbana
Before starting Going for Growth I was really apprehensive about it. I was unsure as I had never participated in anything like this before. What I experienced in 6 months has really changed how I view my business and how it operates. It also allowed me the time and space I needed outside of the day to day to recharge and focus my energy on the direction I really want to go in. I met some phenomenal women who have inspired me to push through being uncomfortable to succeed. I was pushed out of my comfort zone so many times and have learned a lot about myself in the process. I would recommend Going for Growth to anyone who just feels a little stuck, you will meet so many women who have overcome so much and who will inspire you going forward. Paula, her team, all of the Lead Entrepreneurs, the workshop facilitators and all of the women I met have really helped me to grow myself and my business.
Shana Chu Tailr
Participating in the Going for Growth programme has been a transformative experience for me and my business. Over six months, the programme, facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur, provided invaluable insights, support, and mentorship tailored to the unique challenges faced by our group. The network and the practical advice shared have significantly boosted my confidence and business acumen. I highly recommend Going for Growth to any female entrepreneur looking to accelerate their growth and achieve their business goals.
Sorcha Gillett The White & Gold
If you are considering this programme just do it! I wish I could do it all over again. The knowledge and support shared was an enormous benefit to my business. The calibre of businesses alongside my own on this programme was so high, not only did we learn from our Lead Entrepreneur but we learnt so much from each other. 6 lightning months later and now we have a sisterly network of contacts and resources and the tools to take our businesses to the next level!
Tammy Darcy The Shona Project
It’s hard to sum up why Going for Growth is so special. From the outset the spirit of authenticity, openness and vulnerability are set by Paula, her team and the Lead Entrepreneurs, which filters through to every participant. It has built my network, my confidence and my ambition in so many ways, and I have also made friends for life.
