Support for ambitious business leaders to scale internationally, strengthen leadership capability, and build global growth networks
The Lead2Grow leadership and scaling programme is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Investment team in partnership with Babson College Boston, USA. It 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.
Programme details
Participating companies 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
Companies can claim up to a maximum of £2,500 towards their participation in the programme, based on a 50% company contribution.
Eligibility criteria
Participants 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 (Derry City and Strabane District Council or Donegal County Council area)
Applications will close at midday on Monday 7 September 2026.
Find out more about Lead2Grow.
Lead2Grow 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.
First published 16 July 2026