The free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland has been running since 2014 and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). The deadline for applications is midnight, September 20th.
Commenting, Charlie McConalogue T.D, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine said: “2024 marks a decade of support from my Department for Female Rural Entrepreneurs. This initiative has supported over 400 women in rural Ireland over the last ten years. The programme aims to address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps that female entrepreneurs can face and takes into account the barriers which often limit entrepreneurial activity in rural areas. I am delighted that once again we can target this area and help Female Rural Entrepreneurs to realise their dreams of starting and growing successful businesses.”
A survey carried out at the end of ACORNS 9 in April revealed that participants increased their total turnover over the course of the six-month programme, by €1.2 m, from €2.8m to €4m (+43%). All participants surveyed said that they would recommend participating in ACORNS to others. Participants also reported doubling their total workforce to 133, with 59 full-time and 74 part-time staff employed at the end of the cycle – an increase of 67. There were also four new exporters over the cycle. Some 96% said that their participation brought about practical change within their business, with the same number saying the programme helped them feel nearer to achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions.
ACORNS is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur, who has first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 10. Those wishing to receive an application form for ACORNS 10 should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).
Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2021, are eligible to apply. As ACORNS receives many more applications than there are places available, selection is on a competitive basis. ACORNS 10 will run from October 2024 to April 2025 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration. There will be no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 10, thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs.