Growth in jobs for female entrepreneurs in latest ACORNS program

Almost 60 new jobs were created by ACORNS participants during the latest cycle of the programme, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The combined annual turnover of the ACORNS 11 early-stage female entrepreneurs grew from €4.1m to almost €6m during the six months of the free programme.

Nine of the 53 female entrepreneurs based in rural areas started trading for the first time while on the programme with another four becoming exporters while on ACORNS.

Jobs created via ACORNS

The statistics highlight the positive impact of the programme as applications are now being sought for the next cycle – ACORNS 12. The call was opened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon with the deadline for applications set at midnight on Friday, September 18th.

Feedback from ACORNS 11 also showed that all 53 participants said they would recommend ACORNS to others. Some 98% felt closer to achieving their business ambitions following the programme and 94% said their participation had brought about practical change within their business.

ACORNS, which stands for Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-ups, is in its 12th year and some 600 female entrepreneurs have participated. It is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The programme, which was developed by Fitzsimons Consulting, 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 with first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland.

ACORNS 12 will run from October 2026 to April 2027. It is open to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland who have generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2023. There are up to 50 places available. Those wishing to apply must first register their interest via the website (www.acorns.ie). They will then be sent an application by email.

There is no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 12, thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs.

This year’s voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs are Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice (Laois); Geraldine Jones, Skin Formulas (Tipperary); Karen Kerrigan, Kerrigan’s Mushrooms (Meath); Larissa Feeney, Kinore (Donegal); Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets (Wexford); Orla Leahy, Ireland Chauffeur Travel (Tipperary); and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies (Galway).

ACORNS Lead Entrepreneur Karen Kerrigan of Kerrigan’s Mushrooms, says:

“Running a business can sometimes feel lonely, but ACORNS creates a supportive environment where women encourage one another, share experiences and realise they don’t have to face challenges on their own. The enthusiasm, honesty and generosity within ACORNS has kept me motivated and reminded me that we’re all continually learning, no matter what stage we’re at in our business journey.”

ACORNS Past Participant Kel Galavan of Mrs Smart Money, says:

“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be part of this fantastic programme. The ACORNS structure has provided clarity around every aspect of my business. I met so many inspiring, intelligent women on this journey who have been pillars of support and encouragement. Having them to lean on through the process has been fantastic, and I know that we will be there for each other in the future.  If you get the opportunity to be part of ACORNS, take it in both hands and run!”

ACORNS Past Participant Carina Rosingrave, of Burren View Farm, says:

“Participating in ACORNS definitely helped my business because I was surrounded by likeminded people, who all wanted to get a business up and running, and you weren’t on your own. We’re still connected and still support each other now. I also had great support from the ACORNS team and our Lead Entrepreneur. They really focused my mind on the business. I feel much more confident.”

www.acorns.ie

About ACORNS

ACORNS, which stands for Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups, is in its 12th year. It is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The programme was developed by Fitzsimons Consulting.

Eligibility Criteria for participation on ACORNS

To be considered for ACORNS, applicants must:

• Have set up a new business which has generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2023 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 and be living 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 launch Forum and first round table session on October 19 and 20, 2026.
• They must expect to become an employer within three years.

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