Aideen Mc Auliffe Centre Stage School
Completing Going for Growth was a transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. The programme delivered in-depth, practical knowledge across a wide range of critical areas—from leadership skills and HR to finance, tax, and achieving a healthier work-life balance. Each session was thoughtfully designed to equip us with tools we could immediately apply in our businesses. One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the emphasis on the power of connection. Sharing experiences with other women entrepreneurs created a supportive and inspiring environment that helped me grow in confidence and broaden my perspective.
Alison Furney Adept Accounting Services
I recently completed the Going for Growth programme and cannot recommend it highly enough to other female business owners. The structure of attending six monthly sessions, combined with the accountability of reporting on progress (and inevitable setbacks), is incredibly powerful. It keeps you focused, honest, and motivated. What truly made the experience exceptional was the group dynamic. Our circle of peers really gelled – the support, advice, and encouragement we gave each other was invaluable. Being an entrepreneur can often feel isolating, especially when those around you don’t fully understand the journey. That’s why finding others who do – your tribe – makes such a difference. One of the most valuable takeaways for me was having a written, actionable plan. It became a grounding force, especially when I encountered those inevitable bumps along the way. If you’re serious about growing your business and want to be part of a community that challenges and supports you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply for the next round of Going for Growth.
Anne-Marie Saul-Rotne Saul Design Architecture & Interiors
Going for Growth was the first time that I have been exposed to other entrepreneurs and had an opportunity to hear the challenges and successes that they were experiencing while running their businesses. You can be in a bubble when you have your own business so getting to meet others and hear their stories about what they have encountered was so insightful. That coupled with the fantastic guidance and support of our Lead Entrepreneur, was such a great boost for my business strategy and accountability. It was a super experience and I intend on remaining involved with Going for Growth throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
Aoife D’Arcy Krisolis
Going for Growth gave me the space, structure, and support to step back from the day-to-day and focus on where I want the business to go. The mix of peer learning, accountability, and expert leadership made a real difference—and I came away with clear goals, stronger confidence, and practical tools I use every week. The in-person sessions were especially valuable for carving out time to think strategically, and the honest conversations around challenges the whole table face on a day to day basis helped shift how I approach things. I’d absolutely recommend it to any female founder looking to take the next step with their business.
Camille Lis Stellar Corporate Housing
Going for Growth has been one of the most transformative experiences in my entrepreneurial journey. The combination of peer support, accountability, and real-world insights helped me step back, think strategically, and make confident decisions about the direction of my business. What truly set it apart was the leadership of our Lead Entrepreneur, whose authenticity, wisdom, and encouragement made every session meaningful. I would highly recommend this programme to any female founder looking to grow, both professionally and personally.
Carol O’Kelly Redstorm Communications
I was very fortunate to have been selected for the 17th cycle of Going for Growth run by the inimitable Paula Fitzsimons. This was a programme I had applied for four times previously, I valued it so highly. I met the most incredible women around the table, from vastly different careers who are now my close friends and advisors. What an atmosphere of “Can Do” and encouragement throughout the whole journey. A remarkable programme to be part of.
Caroline Dalton .
The Going for Growth journey is a remarkable opportunity to meet and network with like minded people at the same stage and growth cycle that your career is at. This is such a vitally important space for female leaders, many of whom feel alone and vulnerable at the top without a network of colleagues to tap into. The programme provides an amazing variety of resources that otherwise would be very costly to a small business owner. I cannot recommend the experience enough.
Caroline Fry CPD Store
Going for Growth has been a transformative experience. It has helped me to step out of the day-to-day and start to think strategically about the growth and needs of the business. The structed round tables, honest conversations and peer accountability were invaluable. The support from my Lead Entrepreneur and the amazing ladies I had in my group created a space where I could be honest, challenged and inspired all at once. This is not just a programme – it’s a game-changer for women ready to scale.
Deborah Brock Nua Fertility
Going for Growth gave me a safe space to be honest about challenges and share real-world experiences. The support from my Lead and group was incredible, practical, heartfelt, and exactly what I needed to grow.
Donna O’Driscoll Roots Kitchen
Going for Growth has been a gamechanger for me. The support, structure and shared experiences gave me the confidence to think bigger and make bold decisions. Being surrounded by like-minded, ambitious women reminded me I’m not alone in this journey. If you’re serious about growing your business, this is the place to do it.
Emily Gaynor All Seasons Flowers
It was a fantastic experience. Meeting like-minded women in business each month and really diving into the topics at each session was brilliant, such a valued learning experience. We had such a supportive, inspiring group and Oonagh led us so well, she shared so much more than I ever expected. I honestly felt we could have kept going for more than six sessions, as there was always something new to explore. I really valued having businesses from different sectors together, it brought so many fresh ideas and perspectives that I might not have come across otherwise. I came away feeling motivated, encouraged and ready to put what I learned into practice.
Eve Ellen Kavanagh For Your Eyes Only
There is no one in business who will not benefit from Going for Growth in some capacity. It’s without a doubt the best thing I’ve done for my business since starting 10+ years ago. The support from fellow entrepreneurs is invaluable, you can’t buy that through any course. I’ve learned so much about myself, my business and what way I want to navigate the future for For Your Eyes Only. I also feel so motivated and inspired by the incredible woman involved in the programme.
Gosia FitzGerald OnePageCRM
It’s hands down the best thing I’ve done for myself as a business owner.
Helen Barry Duke Rubberduck
Delighted to have graduated from Cycle 17 of Going for Growth— such an honour to be part of this incredible initiative. Going for Growth is a fantastic programme for women entrepreneurs, all brilliantly led by the fabulous Paula Fitzsimons a true champion of women in business. Proudly sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG this initiative is empowering women across Ireland to scale and succeed. I was also delighted to connect with so many fellow female entrepreneurs and soak up their wisdom, advice, and inspiration — what an incredible network of talented, driven women I would wholeheartedly recommend applying for programmes like this — they are transformative, inspiring, and full of opportunity.
Jennie Haire Gigi Supplements
Going for Growth has been a pivotal part of my entrepreneurial journey. I began on the Starting Strong table in 2023 and progressed to Going to Growth in 2025. The network, learnings and accountability these programmes have supported me with has significantly expedited the growth of my business, Gigi Supplements.
Joan Mulloy Blackshell Farm
Going for Growth is a brilliant programme that connects you with other entrepreneurs and businesswoman. It gives you an opportunity to share and learn in a structured and informative environment. My group and Lead Entrepreneur gave me so many insights and lessons about my business that would have taken me years to learn by myself. The workshops that were provided were truly excellent and packed fully of useful information. I can’t praise this programme enough and would urge every ambitious female entrepreneur to aim to take part.
Kate Duggan Shanbally House & Gardens
Going for Growth was an incredible experience. The six month programme flew and was not long enough. Taking a half day out of the business once a month to have a roundtable discussion was incredibly valuable and provided much needed time to step back from the business and to focus on what strategic steps and decisions were required, rather than getting bogged down in the day to day. The advice, guidance and mentorship from my Lead Entrepreneur, as well as the group was incredible and I could not recommend the programme more, would happily sign up again if there was a follow on programme.
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle The B!G Idea
Being part of this year’s Going for Growth was a reaffirming and uplifting experience; no one gets it like another founder. I learned so much from the group, and I felt validated in so many shared rollercoaster experiences. It was a privilege in so many ways.
Klara O’Leary Care Box Co
Going for Growth provided a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the growth of my business. It provided a structured space to think more strategically, set ambitious goals, and be held accountable to them. The combination of expert guidance and peer support helped me to identify new opportunities and make more confident, growth-focused decisions. The open and honest roundtable discussions fostered a strong sense of trust and community within the programme. I am extremely grateful for the network I’ve built through the programme that continues to be an invaluable source of insight, encouragement, and momentum.
Krystyna Wittbrodt K Factory
Going for Growth gave me something my MBA couldn’t – a real-world, peer-driven experience rooted in connection, support, and shared ambition. While the MBA gave me the theoretical tools and strategic frameworks, Going for Growth gave me the confidence, clarity, and community I needed to apply them as a founder. Being surrounded by like-minded women who understand the challenges of scaling a business was incredibly powerful. It pushed me to think bigger, act bolder, and stay accountable. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
Louise Corrigan Louise Corrigan Law
Going for Growth was an amazing experience and the benefit for the business and for me personally will be felt for many years to come. I found so much support and connection in the programme and formed relationships with my group that I know will stand the test of time and will always be a support to me as a businesswoman going forward. It is an amazing community to be part of and the access to knowledge, guidance and expertise is second to none.
Maebh O Malley Achill Island Sea Salt
Going for Growth has been a hugely valuable experience. Over the six months, I was able to put a clear action plan in place for how I’ll continue to work alongside my parents in our family business, Achill Island Sea Salt, and plan for the future. My Lead Entrepreneur’s experience in the food industry made her guidance incredibly relevant, and her knowledge was hugely helpful for me to approach challenges more confidently. One of the best parts of the programme was the group itself, being surrounded by like minded women who understand both the highs and the lows of running a business. The support, encouragement, and openness in our group created a network I know I’ll keep leaning on. I’d highly recommend Going for Growth to any woman in business who wants practical support, real connection, and the space to focus on growth, both personally and professionally.
Mary Wynne Route 85 Drive Thru
I cannot recommend Going for Growth highly enough. On my first day I felt that I was a very small fish in a sea of very big fish! Some of these businesses I would have seen on social media and could not believe I was now in the same room as them. On the second day after meeting my round table team and our lovely Lead Entrepreneur, these ‘small’ feelings had subsided and by the time I had finished the programme after six months, I felt much more confident in communicating and telling my story, my journey and all that goes with running a business. It makes you ‘think outside the box’ in a very good and positive way. All the girls have much the same story but maybe just at different levels and we are all human with the same feelings and struggles in life that trying to run a successful business brings. It is only fantastic to have developed relationships now with people who I can talk to about any part of my business and be understood and not judged. There is no money that could buy you this support in today’s world. If you have a passion for what you are doing, no matter how big or small, just complete the form and if you’re not successful the first time, fill it out a second time and a third!! It will be worth it.
Niamh Dooley BiaSol
Going for Growth was a fantastic 6 month programme that helped me focus on the problems and obstacles in the business and to work through solutions with the input from my peers and Lead Entrepreneur. It was great to get unbiased opinions and other perspectives.
Paula O’Connor Elite Woodworking Machinery Ireland
Going for Growth was a game-changer for me. Being part of a women-led programme designed specifically for ambitious female entrepreneurs made all the difference. It created a safe, supportive space where we could openly share the highs and lows of running a business — something that’s so rare and so powerful. My Lead Entrepreneur was absolutely invaluable. Her experience, insight, and genuine encouragement pushed me to think bigger and act with more confidence. Add to that the connection with a network of like-minded women, and you have a truly transformative experience. If you’re serious about scaling your business, this is the programme to be part of.
Sarah Butler Sarah Butler at Home
Going for Growth helped me so much with my business. My confidence has grown, as has my business thanks to the advice and guidance of the programme. I am so grateful to have been given such a fantastic opportunity and have made amazing friends through it also.
Shannon Forrest Rivesci
You may ask yourself, what have I to contribute, those other ladies are far more successful than me but you couldn’t be further from the truth! Going for Growth is one of the most exceptional things I have done for our business and for me personally. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at in your business if you’re wanting to and willing to work hard on areas that make you feel uncomfortable for a bit, then just apply! Staying in your comfort zone is not what business is about. There are no glass ceilings, no limits, Going for Growth supports you every step of the way, in ways you didn’t even know you needed! But one thing for sure, our island needs more women like you, brave enough to step forward and pave the path ahead for the female entrepreneurs of the future!
Sharon Mooney Hyphen Strategy
Being accepted onto the Going for Growth programme was firstly great validation that we were doing something right as a start-up and secondly opened up an entirely new network of opportunities to access specialist advice through the KPMG and Enterprise Ireland sponsorship and the panel of powerhouse Lead Entrepreneurs who have built, scaled and exited their own business. Getting the chance to learn from entrepreneurs at this level has certainly made me look at our business in a new way and implement changes that will drive our strategic growth into the future.
Sofie Rooney Chimac
Taking part in Going for Growth has been one of the most valuable steps I’ve taken as a business owner. The programme gave me the space to pause, reflect, and make more strategic decisions. I’ve come away with a stronger mindset, greater clarity, and a more deliberate approach to growth. If you’re serious about growing your business and want a trusted space to think, plan, and be supported by others who genuinely get it, I couldn’t recommend Going for Growth more.
Tracy O’Rourke Vivid Edge
This has been a terrific experience. I learnt so much and enjoyed every moment with our Lead Entrepreneur, who was so generous with her time and expertise and conducted the sessions with humour and empathy. Our group gelled well together from the outset and were a great support as we explored a wide range of challenges and opportunities as the months unfolded. The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely one without the support structure of a large organisation. The ability to have frank and honest conversations in a safe supportive environment is priceless. Thanks so much Paula for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful programme.