Female entrepreneurs with combined sales of €42m to meet at forum

SIXTY female entrepreneurs employing 500 people with combined sales of €42 million meet today to plan strategies to grow their businesses.

And the participants in the two-day Going for Growth Programme forum, aimed at helping women entrepreneurs achieve their growth ambitions, plan to increase their sales to €196m in five years time employing more than 900 people.

Under the programme “lead” entrepreneurs — who have built successful businesses — mentor young companies and help them achieve their growth goals. It is supported and funded by the European Social Fund, Enterprise Ireland and the Equality for Women Measure, Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affair.

The national director and founder of Going for Growth Paula Fitzsimons said the National Forum gives women entrepreneurs an opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired as they set out to grow their businesses.

“We may be in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in modern times, but that has not put a halt to the huge entrepreneurial spirit that exists amongst Irish business women” she said.

The majority of participants, 81%, have staff, between them employing 488 people, with six employing 20 or more.

At present, most of the Going for Growth participants, 85% are primarily focused on the domestic market — 29% in local, 15% in regional and 41% in national markets.