Lead2Grow

Lead2Grow — Empowering Business Leaders in the North West

In association with IESE Business School, New York

10–13 November 2025 | New York

About Lead2Grow

Lead2Grow is a pilot programme designed to empower ambitious CEOs and Managing Directors with the skills, insights, and strategies to scale their businesses. Delivered in partnership with IESE Business School, New York, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions, the programme brings together business leaders from Donegal, Derry & Strabane to learn from world-class academics and industry experts.
As a follow-up to the successful Pathfinder initiatives (2023 & 2024), Lead2Grow coincides with Golden Bridges 2025 in Boston, reflecting a strong collaboration between Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Apply Now

Deadline for applications 12:00noon on 8th October 2025.

What to Expect

Delivered over two intensive days at IESE’s New York campus, the programme combines expert-led sessions, peer learning, and tailored growth support.
Key Themes:
📈 Strategy models for growth
👥 Strategic leadership: people & culture
🏢 Structuring the Senior Leadership team
🗺️ Developing a strategic growth plan

Post-Programme Support:
✅ One-to-one growth strategy support to embed learning and drive action.

✅Pre and post trip support to apply learnings and progress growth plans.

✅Post programme supports including in-person group and peer-to-peer group workshops.

Is Lead2Grow for You?

Lead2Grow is designed for ambitious CEOs and Managing Directors across all sectors who want to scale their companies globally.

Criteria:

Demonstrated ambition to scale a successful business
Typically, €500K+ annual turnover¹
Based in or have presence in the North West region (Donegal County or Derry & Strabane District Council Area)

Key Details

Programme Snapshot:
📍 Location: IESE Business School, New York
📅 Dates: 10th & 11th November 2025
⏳ Duration: 2 days

Apply Now

Deadline for applications 12:00noon on 8th October 2025.

Financial Support

Eligible expenses terms and conditions - (only for the duration of the mission 10^th-13^th November 2025)
Eligible companies can claim up to maximum value of £2,500/€2,500 based on your company’s contribution of 50%. Expenses relating to up to two individuals per company can be claimed.

Claim up to 50% towards flight costs (economy fares only). Extra luggage or preferred seat choices are not eligible for reimbursement.
Claim up to 50% towards hotel accommodation costs
Travel Insurance and sickness cost are not eligible for reimbursement. Mission members are strongly advised to take out adequate travel and sickness insurance for their trip.
The cost of your ESTA is eligible for reimbursement.
Cost of reasonable ground transportation e.g. Uber, airport transfers, transfer to venue for Golden Bridges conference luncheon.
Reasonable food and beverage expenses supported by receipts (no alcohol)

Get in Touch

For more information or to apply:
Local Enterprise Office Donegal
📧 Brenda Hegarty — brenda.hegarty@leo.donegalcoco.ie

Derry & Strabane District Council
📧 Rosalind Young — Rosalind.Young@derrystrabane.com

Alpha Innovation
📧 Kevin Sexton — kevinsexton@alphainnovation.eu