The Going for Growth programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG to assist ambitious women entrepreneurs, is now accepting applications.

Entrepreneurs have always played a significant role in Ireland’s economic growth, innovation and job creation. Entrepreneurial activity in Ireland remains strong, with one in seven people aspiring to start a business in the next three years, according to this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report. But like all businesses, entrepreneurs face challenges ranging from inflationary pressures, rising energy costs, and supply chain issues to securing finance and recruiting staff with the right skill set. KPMG Private Enterprise teams work with entrepreneurs, supporting them to overcome such challenges and grow their business.

CLOSING THE GENDER GAP

In addition, female entrepreneurs encounter other barriers to growth, including difficulties accessing start-up financing, less confidence in their skills and knowledge to start a business, as well as higher levels of risk aversion. Women are also under-represented in entrepreneurship, especially among growth-oriented start-ups. For instance, only 15% of high-potential start-ups have at least one woman founder, and less than 6% are solely founded by a woman entrepreneur. This gender gap in female entrepreneurship stifles economic growth, job creation and innovation opportunities. 

Enterprise Ireland's ‘Action Plan for Women’ in Business recognises that Ireland's economic success will be driven by optimising all our skills and talent through increasing the participation of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership. However, more help is needed to close this gender gap and support more entrepreneurs and business leaders to start and grow a company in Ireland.

UNIQUE GROWTH PROGRAMME

In Association with

One such programme, Going for Growth, is jointly supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, and assists ambitious women entrepreneurs in achieving their growth ambitions. This award-winning business development programme is now accepting applications from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focused on growth.

Over the past 15 years, 850 business women have participated in this unique programme. Past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Derval O’Rourke, athlete and founder of Derval.ie, and Vanessa Creaven of Spotlight Oral Care. Those selected for the Going for Growth initiative will join interactive round table sessions led by Lead Entrepreneurs. Some of this year's voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs include Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Louise Phelan, Phelan Energy Group; and Oonagh O'Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group.

INSIGHTS TO SUCCEED

With the expertise and encouragement of the Lead Entrepreneurs, this programme engages participants with insights and experiences to succeed. In addition, a vital element of positive peer pressure in the round tablegroups brings ambitious female entrepreneurs together to support each other to drive growth in their businesses.

KPMG experts will facilitate a series of workshops and share their expertise with this year’s entrepreneurs on a wide range of business matters, such as tax, raising finance, employment matters and much more. Our employees facilitate network events and meetings, helping the participants to achieve their goals. The programme takes successful women role models and connects them with early-stage women entrepreneurs.

How to apply

The deadline for applications for the 15th cycle of the programme is Friday, November 18, 2022. Up to 60 places will be available, and the six-month initiative will begin in January 2023. To apply to the Going for Growth programme and learn more about the eligibility criteria, log onto www.goingforgrowth.com.

Search ‘KPMG Private Enterprise’ to visit our website and learn more about our extensive services for Irish Private Enterprise.

Image: Pictured at the launch of the Going for Growth programme are (l-r): Leo Clancy, CEO Enterprise Ireland; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, programme Lead Entrepreneur; Derval O’Rourke, Going for Growth past participant; and KPMG partner Olivia Lynch