All-Island Growth Opportunities - Geri’s Story

Thursday 5 February 2026

Geri Martin founded her artisan chocolatier business, The Chocolate Manor, from her home kitchen in Castlerock, Northern Ireland. Over thirteen years, it has grown into a thriving bricks-and-mortar chocolate shop employing five staff. The business operates across three core revenue streams:

Retail chocolate products
Bespoke corporate gifting
Chocolate experiences

However, in 2024 Geri faced a significant challenge: a 120% increase in direct costs, which resulted in declining retail sales. This shift forced her to re-evaluate the business model and focus on higher-value corporate gifting and hospitality partnerships.

Why She Joined the pilot Grow It All-Island Programme
A long-time Women in Business member, Geri discovered Grow It through a member email. She was seeking:

Strategic clarity
Support exploring cross-border opportunities in Ireland
A stronger business network
Skills in sales, finance and marketing

Having previously completed Go Succeed, she knew she needed to reduce reliance on wholesaling and expand corporate & hospitality partnerships - but lacked the time, tools and network to move forward.

Personal Development
Geri initially felt anxious about joining a room of “successful entrepreneurs” but soon realised: “Social media gives a filtered view. We were from different industries but facing the same challenges.”

The programme provided a safe, supportive environment where honest conversations about business challenges were encouraged.

Professional & Skills Growth
Through the programme, Geri gained:

Greater confidence in sales, finance, and marketing
A clearer understanding of strategic planning
A renewed ability to work on the business, not just in it

The strategy deep‑dive proved especially valuable: “It was challenging in the best possible way - it made me think deeply about every part of my business.” Although she found some finance content difficult, she was reassured by feedback and gained insight into new support systems, particularly during a Connect 2 event in Dundalk.

Network & Community Impact
One of the most transformative outcomes for Geri was the creation of a strong peer network:

She formed an accountability WhatsApp group with four other participants
They completed a business prospecting road trip around Ireland
She connected with another participant who helped her transition to a new corporate sales platform
The cohort provided ongoing emotional and strategic support

Geri said: “It’s been a privilege to learn with such inspiring and hardworking women. The support has been invaluable.”

Business Impact & Outcomes
Since completing the programme, Geri has:

Secured a place on the InterTradeIreland cross-border trade mission to Dublin
Started receiving Invest NI support for prospecting in Great Britain
Completed a business road trip with four cohort members to explore new opportunities
Collaborated with MCS Branding on the opportunities provided by their new sales platform
Built active business relationships with six entrepreneurs based in Ireland
Onboarded as a supplier to Needi after networking at the Alumni Event

Looking Forward
Geri now feels equipped with the strategic tools, confidence and network needed to expand her business into new markets across Ireland and Great Britain. Her focus remains on strengthening her high-end corporate gifting offering and driving sustainable growth.

Find out more about The Chocolate Manor and be sure to connect with Geri on LinkedIn.

If you're ready to explore business growth opportunities across the island, just like Geri, now is your moment to apply for the WeGrow Programme. The WeGrow programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. WeGrow is delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.

Applications close at 12pm on Wednesday 11th March 2026 - click here to find out more.

Thursday 5 February 2026