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Lead2Grow

Support for ambitious business leaders to scale internationally, strengthen leadership capability, and build global growth networks.

Applications will close at midday on Monday 7 September 2026.

Who it is for

Businesses should:

have the ambition to grow and scale their successful business to the next stage
ideally, be an established business with £500K+ annual turnover with a minimum of three employees
be based in or have a presence in the North West region (Donegal County Council or Derry City and Strabane District Council area)

Support you can get

The Lead2Grow leadership and scaling programme is delivered in partnership with Babson College Boston, USA and takes place from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 November 2026.

The programme combines executive education with one-to-one mentoring to help leaders strengthen strategic decision-making, identify new growth opportunities, enhance leadership capability, refine market expansion strategies, and build the confidence and networks needed to accelerate international business growth.

Each participating company will leave with a clearer vision for scale, practical tools for implementation, and a customised growth plan to support long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Participants will get:

90-minute virtual pre-arrival session
two half-day Babson faculty-led workshops
dedicated growth planning sessions
two hours of one-to-one coaching per participating company
peer learning and collaboration with fellow business leaders
Babson Executive Education Certificate upon completion
customised growth plan

Funding

Companies can claim up to a maximum of £2,500/ €2,750, based on a 50% company contribution. 

The following expenses are eligible: 

Flights: Up to 50% of economy fare costs.
Hotel accommodation: Up to 50% of the total cost.
Travel insurance and sickness: Not eligible. Participants are strongly advised to arrange adequate travel and health insurance independently.
ESTA fee: Eligible for reimbursement.
Ground transportation: Reasonable costs such as Uber or airport transfers.
Food and beverage: Reasonable expenses supported by receipts. Alcohol is not reimbursable.

This programme is delivered in partnership with Babson College Business School, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, The Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and Alpha Innovation. In conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and the Government of Ireland.