Elevate to Great Business Growth Programme
Expressions of Interest for 2027 Now Open
Are you a female business owner ready to take the next step in your business?
Elevate to Great is an intensive six-week business growth programme designed specifically for women who are serious about building a sustainable, profitable business.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by The Mums At Work Network, the programme combines practical business training, expert guidance and peer support to help you build confidence, strengthen your skills and create a clear plan for growth.
Who Is It For?
Elevate to Great is designed for female founders and business owners in Northern Ireland who:
• Have been trading for less than three years
• Are committed to growing their business
• Want practical support rather than theory
• Are willing to attend all six sessions
• Value learning alongside other ambitious women
You do not need previous training experience. The programme is designed to meet you where you are and provide practical tools you can implement immediately.
What You’ll Experience
Over six weeks, you’ll learn from leading business experts, experienced entrepreneurs and specialist trainers who understand the realities of building a business from the ground up.
Every session is practical, interactive and designed to give you tools, strategies and confidence you can implement immediately in your own business.
Explore each module below to discover what you’ll learn and who you’ll be learning from.
Finance Foundations for Business Growth
Understand bookkeeping, tax compliance, cash flow and Making Tax Digital requirements.
Delivered by Lisa McCloskey, The Lady Accountant
Many business owners start their business because they’re passionate about what they do – not because they love spreadsheets and tax returns. This practical, supportive session will help you build confidence around the financial side of running a business and give you the tools to make informed decisions.
You’ll learn:
• Bookkeeping and financial record keeping fundamentals
• Understanding cashflow and managing money confidently
• Tax responsibilities and compliance requirements
• Business banking and pricing strategies
• Making Tax Digital and what it means for your business
You’ll leave with:
✓ A simple financial tracking system
✓ Greater confidence managing your numbers
✓ Clarity on your tax obligations
✓ Practical tools to improve profitability
Building a Brand That Gets Noticed
Mid Ulster – Delivered by Bronagh McNicholl, Mambo Marketing
Build a confident brand identity and learn how to use social media effectively to grow your business.
You’ll learn:
Defining your brand identity, voice and visual style
Choosing the right social media platforms
Optimising your Instagram profile
Creating engaging content and captions
Using Canva, ChatGPT and content planning tools
You’ll leave with:
✓ A stronger, more consistent brand
✓ Optimised social media profiles
✓ Confidence creating engaging content
✓ Practical tools and a social media action plan
Derry – Delivered by Cathy McGinnis, Cathy McGinnis Consulting
Get clear on your brand, understand your audience and learn how to market your business with confidence and purpose.
You’ll learn:
Understanding your ideal customer
Defining your brand positioning and key messages
Communicating your value with confidence
Setting marketing objectives
Creating purposeful social media content
You’ll leave with:
✓ A clearer brand identity and message
✓ Confidence communicating what you offer
✓ Tailored content ideas
✓ A realistic marketing plan with clear next steps
Your Website & Inbox Working For You
Discover how to attract, nurture and convert customers through your digital channels.
Delivered by Patricia Greene, The Web Crew
This session focuses on turning your website into a lead-generating tool and building an email marketing system that nurtures potential customers into loyal clients.
You’ll learn:
• Website positioning and messaging
• SEO and AI-powered search fundamentals
• Growing your email list
• Lead magnets and subscriber capture
• Creating automated welcome sequences
You’ll leave with:
✓ A website audit checklist
✓ An email welcome sequence mapped out
✓ A list-building action plan
✓ A clearer customer journey
AI & Business Automation
Explore practical AI tools and systems that can save time and streamline your operations.
Strategy & Planning
Create a roadmap for growth with clear goals and actionable plans.
Delivered by Sharron McHugh, Molly & Me Candles & Anne Morrison MorrLiving Ltd
This interactive workshop helps you step back from day-to-day tasks and focus on the bigger picture of where your business is heading.
You’ll learn:
• Strategic planning frameworks
• Defining your USP
• Setting priorities
• Creating realistic growth plans
• Decision-making with confidence
You’ll leave with:
✓ A business roadmap
✓ Clear priorities for the next 12 months
✓ Stronger positioning in your market
✓ A practical action plan
Confidence & Mindset for Growth
Develop the confidence, resilience and self-belief needed to move your business forward.
Delivered by Sarah Logan Inner Happiness NI & Paula Donnan, Paula Donnan Advisory
Growing a business isn’t just about strategy and marketing. It’s also about confidence, resilience and backing yourself.
You’ll learn:
• Managing self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Building confidence through strengths
• Handling pressure and overwhelm
• Creating sustainable routines
• Preparing mentally for growth
You’ll leave with:
✓ Greater self-awareness
✓ Tools to manage stress and overwhelm
✓ Increased confidence in decision-making
✓ A personal growth plan
Programme Format
The cohort will run over six consecutive Thursdays:
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sessions will be delivered in person and combine expert-led training, practical workshops, group discussion and peer support.
Participants are expected to attend all six sessions for the full day. The programme has been designed as a complete journey, with each week building on the previous session. For this reason, places will be offered to applicants who can commit to the full programme.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Venue details will be shared with successful applicants.
