Creating space for Female Founders to accelerate their business journey with confidence and strategic focus.

Grow It is a hands-on business growth programme created for 15 female entrepreneurs who are ready to step back, reflect and shape the next phase of their business journey with intention.

Over the course of several months, participants engage in a powerful combination of tailored workshops, peer support sessions and one-to-one mentoring to build clarity, confidence and a focused strategy for sustainable growth.

Led by industry experts, the programme covers essential areas including strategy, marketing, sales, finance and leadership - all within a supportive, energising network of like-minded women founders.

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Who should apply?

Ideal for female founders who:

  • Are based in Northern Ireland
  • Are running an established business (beyond the start-up stage)
  • Are ready to grow and take their business to the next level
  • Want to create a strategic growth plan
  • Are looking to build a stronger business strategy
  • Want to develop their leadership skills
  • Operate in any sector - product or service-based
  • Are working solo or with a small team
Eligibility Criteria
  • You must be, or be willing to become, a Women in Business member for a minimum of 12 months. (You do not need to be a member to apply, but if accepted, membership will be required.)

  • You must meet at least one of the following criteria:
    (You do not need to meet all of them)

    • Your business has been trading full-time for 3+ years

    • You have an annual turnover of £30k

    • Or you have secured £30k+ in other income or investment, if not yet selling

Key dates & activities

Programme Timeline

  • Meet the Group: Wednesday 17th September
  • First Session: Tuesday 23rd September
  • Last Session: Tuesday 13th January
  • Celebration Evening: Tuesday 27th January

Workshop Dates

  • TBC (To be confirmed)

Applications

  • Applications Open: Week commencing 23rd June
  • Application Deadline: Thursday 8th August at 9:00am 
  • Offers will be sent out from 18th August: If you’ll be away on holiday that week or the following and won’t have access to your work emails, please provide us with an alternative personal email address so we can reach you.
Available Places
This is a high-demand programme with just 15 places. Apply now to be considered for a place in this carefully selected cohort.
Delivery Format
  • In-Person Workshops: 6 sessions delivered face-to-face

  • Online Meetup: 1 virtual session to check in and connect

  • Launch & Celebration Events: 2 events — one at the start and one at the end

  • Locations: Various venues across Northern Ireland (TBC)

How your business will benefit

By taking part in Grow It, you'll gain the tools, connections and confidence to take your business to the next level. Benefits include:  

Expert-Led Workshops: Practical training in key areas including marketing, sales, finance, leadership and strategic planning - tailored to your business stage and growth goals.

Peer Networking & Collaboration: Join a supportive group of like-minded female founders to share ideas, gain fresh perspectives and build lasting connections.

One-to-One Mentoring: Personalised support from experienced facilitators to help you refine your goals, overcome challenges and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Increased Visibility & Recognition: Leverage the wider Women in Business network to showcase your achievements, expand your reach and enhance your business profile.

How you will benefit

Grow It is about more than just growing your business - it’s about growing you as a founder. Throughout the programme, you’ll gain:

Greater Confidence: Make decisions with clarity, align your business direction and lead with purpose.

Leadership Development: Step fully into your role as a founder, manage growth effectively and lead your team with impact.

Supportive Peer Community: Connect with other women who understand the realities of entrepreneurship - sharing insight, encouragement and accountability.

Practical Tools & Insights: Apply what you learn right away to refine your strategy, streamline operations and elevate your brand.

Programme Manager:

Katie Elliott

Katie Elliott

Programme Manager

Katie pairs deep expertise in environmental sustainability with hands-on entrepreneurial know-how. After earning a DipHE in Environmental Sciences and an OCN Level 3 in Business Development, she launched her own refill shop - one of the first in her area. She then built a career spanning retail, sales, marketing, and social media content creation, growing both the business and her own skillset. The venture soon branched into community eco-events and led to the creation of a sister company delivering sustainability training, reporting, and strategy for corporate clients. A natural community-builder, Katie loves bringing entrepreneurs together, sharing hard-won lessons, and championing inclusive growth at every stage of the business journey. She is eager to share her knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs, wherever they are on their journey.

Chat with us: katie@womeninbusinessni.com

Have a look at what we got up to last year:

Supported by:

Yes You Can