There are just a few days left for female entrepreneurs based in rural areas to apply for the latest cycle of the ACORNS business development programme. The deadline is Friday 18 September.
ACORNS stands for 'accelerating the creation of rural nascent start-ups' and, so far, it has delivered significant results for some 600 female entrepreneurs who have participated in the programme since its foundation in 2015.
Now entering its 12th cycle, the free ACORNS programme is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture and was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon.
ACORNS 12 will run from October 2026 to April 2027 and is open to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, who have generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2023. Up to 50 places are available.
The programme was developed by Fitzsimons Consulting and is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants will interact with each other and will be facilitated by lead entrepreneurs.
Lead entrepreneurs
This year’s voluntary lead entrepreneurs are Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice; Geraldine Jones, Skin Formulas; Karen Kerrigan, Kerrigan’s Mushrooms; Larissa Feeney, Kinore; Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets; Orla Leahy, Irish Chauffer Travel; and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies.
Additionally, Dr Anne Cusack and Geraldine Kelly, who are experienced lead entrepreneurs, will facilitate ACORNS plus round tables for previous participants, who are committed to continuing driving forward the development of their businesses.
“As the deadline approaches, I would encourage any woman in rural Ireland who is in the early stages of developing a new business to apply for ACORNS 12,” Paula Fitzsimons, director of ACORNS, said.
“The programme offers the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland, share challenges and build the confidence and skills needed to grow a profitable business.
Growing revenue
“Revenue growth among participants in the last cycle, where joint turnover increased from €4.1m to almost €6m in the six months of the programme, demonstrates the real impact that ACORNS can have for women building businesses in rural Ireland.
“Participants also created almost 60 new jobs and made tangible progress towards their business ambitions. Year after year, ACORNS delivers excellent results for female entrepreneurs and we are looking forward to reviewing applications ahead of the next cycle beginning in October this year.”
The window for applications will close at midnight on Friday 18 September.
Those wishing to apply must first register their interest via the website www.acorns.ie and they will then be sent an application by email.
SHARING OPTIONS