start smart
Grow Strong
Designed for businesses already trading 2+ years and ready to expand, improve, or enter new markets
Take your successful food business to the next level - with strategies that deliver sustainable growth, not just short-term spikes. You've proven your product works. Now it's time to scale: more customers, new markets, better margins, and a business that runs smoother than ever. Grow Strong is our comprehensive growth programme for established food producers ready to expand strategically.
Who This Is For
Grow Strong is designed for you if:
- You’re selling steadily but know you could be doing more
- You want to get your product into supermarkets or expand distribution
- You’re considering new product lines or market expansion
- Your operations are feeling stretched as you grow
- You need a clear growth strategy but don’t have a full in-house team
What You Get: Seven Growth Accelerators
Each building block has the information about it within that block:
RETAIL & MARKET EXPANSION
- Preparing your business for supermarket or distributor listings
- Creating retailer-ready pitch decks and buyer presentations
- Support with approaching buyers (Musgrave, BWG, independents, etc.)
- Identifying new routes to market: export, online, hospitality, wholesale
- Pricing and route-to-market guidance (retail, online, local sales, etc.)
Outcome: A clear retail strategy and professional materials that open doors with buyers.
COMMERCIAL GROWTH STRATEGY
- Deep dive into current sales performance and trends
- Identifying new revenue opportunities and market gaps
- Negotiation strategy and support
- Sales forecasting and promotional planning
- Aligning product, price, place & promotion for stronger growth
Outcome: A comprehensive growth plan with clear targets and measurable milestones.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
- Developing new flavours, formats, or product ranges
- Market-fit analysis before launch
- Packaging improvements to increase shelf standout
- Supporting retailers' preference for NPD (New Product Development)
- Guiding pilot runs, sampling, and launch strategy
Outcome: A pipeline of new products that excite buyers and customers alike.
MARKETING & BRAND BUILDING
- Building a clear marketing plan for the next 12-18 months
- Digital and content direction
- Ensuring consistency across packaging, website, social, and sales materials
- Consumer engagement strategies
- PR and trade show planning
Outcome: A cohesive brand presence that attracts customers and supports sales.
OPERATIONS, PROCESSES & SCALING SUPPORT
- Reviewing production bottlenecks and capacity planning
- Advising on equipment, flow, and layout improvements
- Creating a simple scale-up roadmap
- Team structure and delegation planning
- Cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains
Outcome: Operations that scale smoothly - no more firefighting, more strategic growth.
FUNDING, SUPPORTS & EXPANSION GRANTS
- Guidance on LEO, Enterprise Ireland, BIM, and other supports
- Preparing for funding applications
- Understanding eligibility for Lean, Digital, or Green programmes
- Investment readiness preparation
Outcome: Maximum leverage of available supports to fund your expansion.
ONGOING ADVISORY & ACCOUNTABILITY
- Regular strategy reviews and progress check-ins
- On-call support for urgent decisions
- Sounding board for new opportunities and challenges
- Introductions to buyers, distributors, and industry contacts
Outcome: Continued momentum with expert guidance every step of the way.
Get your business off on the right foot
Starting a business is exciting — but it can also be uncertain. You may have a great idea, a strong product, or a clear passion, yet still feel unsure about where to focus first, how to position yourself in the market, or whether you’re missing something important.
Start Smart is a startup strategy consulting service designed to give new businesses clarity, structure, and confidence from day one. Rather than generic advice, you’ll get practical, one-to-one support tailored to your idea, your market, and your goals.
Who Start Smart Is For
Start Smart is ideal if you are:
Planning to launch a new food product or drink brand
Opening a café, restaurant, or small hospitality business
Starting a tourism, craft, or local service business
Turning a strong idea into a viable business for the first time
In your first year or two of trading and need clearer direction
If you’re looking for help starting a business in Donegal or anywhere in Ireland, Start Smart provides grounded, local insight combined with strategic thinking.
How It Works
Phase 1: Assessment & Goal-Setting
Holistic audit of your business – products, customers, financials, operations, and aspirations. We set clear growth targets and priorities.
Phase 2: Growth Plan Development
Tailored strategy covering sales channels, marketing, operations, and funding. We refine together until you’re excited and confident.
Phase 3: Implementation & Coaching
Hands-on support executing the plan – regular check-ins, problem-solving, and adjusting as reality unfolds.
Common Questions
“”We’re doing okay – why do we need a consultant?”
“Okay” often means untapped potential. I provide fresh eyes, challenge assumptions, and help you turn “okay” into “thriving” with proven strategies.
“We’re too busy fighting fires to work on strategy.“
Ironically, that’s when you need strategy most. I’ll help put out immediate fires AND build systems that prevent future ones – giving you time back.
“Our business is unique – can you really understand it?“
Every business is unique in story, but growth principles are universal. I specialise in food/FMCG and quickly ramp up on your specific situation, tailoring proven strategies to fit.
Ready to Grow Strong?
Let’s build a growth plan that turns your successful business into a market leader.