‘An amazing opportunity’ – female Kilkenny entrepreneurs urged to apply for business development programme
Kilkenny businesswomen are encouraging female entrepreneurs — who have ambition to grow their businesses — to apply for the award-winning Going for Growth business development programme.
Supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, Going for Growth aids female business owners as they seek to increase revenue, create employment, and export into new markets.
Some 60 places are available for the new six-month cycle, which is due to begin with a one-day Launch Forum on January 14, 2025. Female entrepreneurs from any sector who are focused on growth are encouraged to apply. There is no charge for those selected, thanks to the support of Enterprise Ireland, KPMG and the Lead Entrepreneurs who operate in a voluntary capacity.
Ann-Marie McSorley, the founder and CEO of Veri, a mobile responsive cloud based dashboard that allows companies to digitally manage training delivery, said of the programme: “Going for Growth has been critical to the growth of Veri Connect.
“Every company needs to learn from their peers. We have been very lucky to work with internationally renowned sustainability experts, Aebhín Cawley and Dr Cera Slevin, after we met through this powerful network. If you are an entrepreneur and want to grow and learn – Going for Growth is an amazing opportunity.”
Another Kilkenny businesswoman, Denise Walsh, who has over 25 years of experience as a hairstylist and salon owner, recently completed Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses.
She said of the programme: “It was the most amazing and knowledgeable six months. From the start we set goals and we smashed them month in, month out. I will never regret doing this amazing programme, I would definitely have regretted it if I didn’t.”
CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, added: “We strongly believe that key to Ireland’s economic success is a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem which utilises the skills, ambition, and talent of a diverse population. Our partnership with Going for Growth is an important element in fostering a supportive ecosystem, as this programme provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders on their business journey, as they scale and grow and work to achieve their global ambition.
“With the excellent resources, learning and networking opportunities, we would encourage anyone considering this opportunity to engage and wish the next cycle a fruitful and rewarding experience.”
The deadline for applications for Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 15.Application forms can be requested from: http://www.goingforgrowth.com.
PICTURED: Ann-Marie McSorley and Evelyn Smith of Enterprise-Ireland
