Information
Client: Local Enterprise Office, Donegal
Service: Accelerator
Model: Custom
Type: Business
For: Women Entrepreneurs
Year: 2020/2021/2022/2023/2024
Duration: 12 Weeks
Delivery: Hybrid
Services
Strategy
Sourcing
Selection
Program Design
Delivery
Impact & Evaluation
Ambition is a dynamic business accelerator program led by the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, specifically designed to empower early-stage female entrepreneurs in building the skills and resilience necessary to develop globally scalable ventures, attract investment, and create employment opportunities. This exclusive program is open to female founders and co-founders who reside in or have connections to County Donegal, Ireland.
In collaboration with Alinea, LEO Donegal has meticulously crafted an effective business accelerator program that guides entrepreneurs from the conceptual stage to the pitch stage. Projects are carefully selected based on rigorous criteria, including the level of ambition, the size and significance of the problem, market understanding, competitive advantage, feasibility of the business model, and the strength and diversity of the team. Up to ten promising business ideas are chosen for comprehensive mentoring and support through twelve engaging workshops.
Ambition has concluded its third cycle and delivered impressive outcomes, with 78% of the entrepreneurs unlocking next stage support. These alums now provide valuable advice and support to incoming teams, further enriching the program’s collaborative and supportive environment.
Ambition is a pioneering initiative empowering female entrepreneurs in County Donegal to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, foster innovation, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Alumni
Client Testimonial
Helen has delivered Ambition, Donegal’s first female business accelerator program, to three cohorts, successfully supporting the development of a strong pipeline of female-led businesses. Our cohorts benefitted from a robust format and methodology and Helen’s breadth of knowledge and contacts within the industry. The Ambition program also gave entrepreneurs in Donegal access to role models and the opportunity to learn from contributors and experts in various fields. I have found Helen to be a trusted service provider: she is extremely thorough and easy to work with, and relying on her as a partner, year after year, has been key to the success of Ambition.