Final call for new female entrepreneurs in rural areas to apply for free ACORNS development initiative

Next Monday (September 21) is the final deadline for early-stage female business entrepreneurs in rural areas to apply for the latest cycle of development initiative ACORNS.

This is the 6th year of the Government-backed ACORNS programme, which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under its Rural Innovation and Development Fund.

A total of 50 new entrepreneurs will be selected from those who apply but applications have to be completed and submitted by Monday, September 21.

There is no charge to those selected to participate. The initiative will be run on a part time basis over six months from October 2020 to April 2021.

More than 250 female entrepreneurs have taken part in the ACORNS initiative to date and, this year, new business owners need the support being offered more than ever in the current challenging times.

Any woman with a new business based in rural Ireland — or a well-developed idea for a new venture they want to get off the ground — can get more information and register their interest at www.acorns.ie.

ACORNS is based on peer support and collaborative learning. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from successful female entrepreneurs – ‘Lead Entrepreneurs’ who act in a voluntary capacity.

As they are all based in rural Ireland, the Lead Entrepreneurs are all running successful businesses in rural Ireland and will share their insights and experiences with the participants to address the issues and challenges they face when starting and growing a business.

The voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs this year are Anne Reilly of Paycheck Plus, Co Louth; Caroline McEnery of The HR Suite, Co. Kerry; Mary B. Walsh of Ire Wel Pallets, Wexford; Eimer Hannon of Hannon Travel, Co. Meath; Larissa Feeney of Accountant Online, Co Donegal; and Triona MacGiolla Rí of Aró Digital Strategies, Co Galway.

Fitzsimons Consulting, specialising in entrepreneurship and growth, developed the initiative.  Founder Paula Fitzsimons says:

“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. This initiative has never been more vital than in the current climate and I am delighted the programme continues to be offered thanks to the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the contribution of the voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs.”