ACORNS entrepreneurs create 60 jobs

As applications open for the next intake of entrepreneurs for the ACORNS 12th Programme Cycle, women-led rural businesses grow turnover to almost €6m.

Almost 60 new jobs were created by participants in the latest cycle of the ACORNS programme, highlighting the growing impact of the initiative on rural entrepreneurship across Ireland.

The figures were released as applications opened for ACORNS 12, the next phase of the programme for early-stage female business founders.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, ACORNS supports women entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland through peer learning, mentoring and round table sessions led by experienced business owners.

The latest programme results show that the combined annual turnover of the 53 participants on ACORNS 11 increased from €4.1 million to almost €6 million during the six-month programme. Nine entrepreneurs began trading for the first time during their participation, while four businesses became exporters.

The call for applications was officially opened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon last week. Applications for ACORNS 12 will remain open until midnight on September 18.

Empowering rural women entrepreneurs

The programme has now supported around 600 female entrepreneurs since its launch 12 years ago. Developed by Fitzsimons Consulting, ACORNS is built on the principle that entrepreneurs learn effectively from peers who have faced similar challenges and growth opportunities.

Feedback from the most recent cohort underlined the programme’s reputation among participants. All 53 entrepreneurs said they would recommend ACORNS to others, while 98% reported feeling closer to achieving their business ambitions and 94% said the experience had brought practical changes to their businesses.

Karen Kerrigan, founder of Kerrigan’s Mushrooms and one of this year’s voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs, said the programme creates a powerful support network for women building businesses in rural communities.

“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.”

Among the entrepreneurs who have completed the programme is Kel Galavan, founder of Mrs Smart Money.

“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!”

Another former participant, Carina Rosingrave of Burren View Farm, said the programme provided both focus and confidence during the early stages of building her business.

“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.”

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. Participation is free of charge, supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of Lead Entrepreneurs from across rural Ireland.

This year’s Lead Entrepreneurs include Alison Ritchie of Polar Ice, Geraldine Jones of Skin Formulas, Karen Kerrigan of Kerrigan’s Mushrooms, Larissa Feeney of Kinore, Mary B Walsh of Ire Wel Pallets, Orla Leahy of Ireland Chauffeur Travel and Triona MacGiolla Rí of Aró Digital Strategies.

To apply, click here

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.

Image at top: Martin Heydon, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, meets members of the ACORNS community during the launch of a new application cycle for the rural female entrepreneurship development programme. Pictured are Clara Mulligan of HomeBot Ireland, Minister Martin Heydon TD, and Carina Roseingrave of Burren View Farm

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