Ambitious female entrepreneurs are being encouraged to submit their applications for Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme, before the deadline on this Friday (November 21st).

Now entering its 18th cycle, Going for Growth aids female business owners in any sector across the country as they seek to increase revenue, create employment, and explore new market opportunities.

The programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG and is free of charge for those selected to participate.

The deadline for applications for the Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 21. Application forms can be requested from the website - www.GoingforGrowth.com.

Some 60 places are available for the new six-month cycle, which is due to begin with a one-day Launch Forum in January. The programme will run from January to June, with one round table discussion each month.

Round tables are facilitated by successful businesswomen, known as Lead Entrepreneurs, whose participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism. NINE of the 11 Lead Entrepreneurs on this year's programme are former participants in Going for Growth.

They are: Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Hannah Wrixon, Kella and formerly WrkWrk; Jeananne O'Brien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora O'Brien, formerly Pharmapod; Louella Morton TestReach; Marissa Carter, Cocoa Brown; Oonagh O'Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group;and Tara Beattie, Prepsheets.com. The other two highly successful Lead Entrepreneurs are: Susan Spence, formerly SoftCo, and Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip.

Going for Growth has been repeatedly recognised by the EU, OECD, and European Institute of Gender Equality as a key initiative in helping to foster greater ambition among female entrepreneurs and to support their growth aspirations.

The support provided does not end on completion of the six-month cycle, with most past participants becoming part of the Going for Growth community. Going for Growth alumni can apply to participate in the Continuing the Momentum programme, which offers Lead Entrepreneur-facilitated roundtables to those looking to continue their growth journey, with the aid of peer support, focused goals, and milestones. Lead Entrepreneurs Aine Denn, formerly Altify, and Fiona O'Carroll, The Digital Mindset, will facilitate this year's Continuing The Momentum programme.

Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said:

"Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and supporting them at every stage of their business journey. This includes working with colleagues and partners from across the ecosystem to ensure we foster the skills, ambition and talent, and ensure that Ireland is a great location to start and scale a business. That is why Enterprise Ireland is proud to continue our support for Going for Growth, a programme which supports women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and realise their growth ambitions.

"Over the past 17 cycles, this initiative has demonstrated its impact in helping women-led businesses to increase revenue, create employment, and expand into new markets, and I would encourage all eligible entrepreneurs to apply and to engage with the peer support, expert guidance, and leadership offered through this unique programme."

Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said:

"KPMG is committed to championing female entrepreneurship in Ireland, especially in the face of the unique challenges of 2025, including economic uncertainty, evolving market demands, and the need for sustainable practices. Through our unwavering support of Going for Growth, this programme plays a crucial role in empowering ambitious women by providing them with essential resources, mentorship, and a robust community."

"We proudly celebrate female role models in sports and are equally passionate about fostering women's success in business. With the invaluable guidance from Lead Entrepreneurs, tailored KPMG workshops, an...