The call is now open for women with new businesses or well-developed ideas to join the new cycle of ACORNS. A total of 50 new participants are being sought for ACORNS 6 with the programme running over six months from October 2020 to April 2021. The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is 21 September 2020. There is no charge for participation but there is certain eligibility criteria (see below).

I also wish to see the economic potential of women harnessed to the greatest extent possible

Minister Calleary stated: “I am committed to supporting sustainable enterprise and entrepreneurial activity in rural areas, as this will underpin sustainable community development. I also wish to see the economic potential of women harnessed to the greatest extent possible. Against this background, I am delighted that my Department, through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund, will continue to support the ACORNS initiative”.

Psychological isolation is reduced, confidence is increased, and new networks are formed

Paula Fitzsimons who developed the initiative said: “ACORNS is a real grassroots movement, illustrating the strength of peer support, with entrepreneurs supporting one another. Psychological isolation is reduced, confidence is increased, and new networks are formed.”

How does the programme work?

ACORNS is based on peer support and collaborative learning. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from successful female entrepreneurs – lead entrepreneurs.

Acting in a voluntary capacity, these lead entrepreneurs will share their insights and experience with the group and help the participants to address the issues and challenges they face in starting and progressing their businesses. They also act as role models, illustrating by their actions that it is possible to start and grow a successful business in rural Ireland.

ACORNS is a Government-backed programme which assists early-stage rural female entrepreneurs Pictured (L - R) are Mary B Walsh (Ire Wel Pallets), Triona MacGiolla Rí (Aró Digital Strategy), Maeve Sheridan (Western Herd Brewing), Anne Marie Feighery (Feighery's Farm Beetroot Juice), Minister Dara Calleary and Aisling Kelly (WB’s Coffee Shop & Sligo Oyster Experience). \ Michael Dillon

This year, the ACORNS lead entrepreneurs are: Anne Reilly, Paycheck Plus, Louth; Caroline McEnery, The HR Suite, Kerry; Eimer Hannon, Eimer Hannon Travel, Meath; Larissa Feeney, Accountant Online; Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets, Wexford; and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies, Galway.

Past participants of ACORNS are also invited to take part in a further development phase, attend topic-based workshops and to join the ACORNS Community, so they can continue to build their support network of valuable connections.

Eligibility criteria for participation

To be considered for ACORNS, applicants must:

  • Have set up a new business which has generated sales no earlier than the 1 January 2018; or be actively planning a new venture and have made good progress towards getting the new venture off the ground. Indicators of actively planning a business would include organising the start-up team, sourcing equipment/facilities, money saved for the start-up, writing the business plan, etc.
  • They must own or part-own the business which must be located in a rural area, that is in an area outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
  • If selected, applicants must be available to attend the first round table session on 23 October 2020. This will take place either in person or remotely, depending on prevailing circumstances and Government guidelines.
  • They must expect to become an employer within three years.

    • All the information and an application form are available here www.acorns.ie.

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