ACORNS alumni and StoryBev founder Clare Minnock is using her experience in the drinks industry to help make her clients stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive market.
With almost a decade of work in the industry behind her, tCarlow-based entrepreneur Clare Minnock has developed a strong understanding and in-depth knowledge of the industry and now guides her clients in identifying their brand story and what sets them apart.
Her business StoryBev helps drinks brands develop their messaging and storytelling, focused on creating brand narratives that connect with consumers and support growth. In a highly-regulated and ever-changing market, Clare’s expertise and lived experiences prove to be a vital tool and support mechanism for her clients.
“As consumer preferences shift and people drink differently, I see an opportunity for the business to continue its already strong work in the sector”
Minnock is a graduate of the ACORNS rural women entrepreneurship programme. 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, generating 60 jobs. Nine entrepreneurs began trading for the first time during their participation, while four businesses became exporters.
A sharper taste
Before setting up StoryBev, she was head of Brand for two Irish whiskey brands, where her work included everything from brand and product development, packaging and narrative refreshes, to new labelling regulations and market activations.
Since establishing the company, Clare has built a strong network of clients within the Irish drinks industry. Her client list continues to grow, with her work helping small and medium-sized drinks brands identify their priorities, sharpen their focus and messaging, and create marketing plans that can be delivered in a realistic way.
Clare applied for ACORNS in 2025 and her participation on the programme came at an important stage for her.
“I now have the opportunity to look more strategically at the business overall with the mentorship, support and collaboration on the programme giving me key learnings on how to shape its future direction and growth potential.”
Moving forward, Clare plans to expand her operations beyond Ireland.
“As consumer preferences shift and people drink differently, I see an opportunity for the business to continue its already strong work in the sector.”
With that, she will look to expand her client base in the non-alcoholic, alcoholic-adjacent and functional drinks markets including products such as zero alcohol alternatives, ready-to-drink beverages and electrolyte drinks – broadening StoryBev’s reach from alcohol brands into the wider beverage sector.
Do you have what it takes to join ACORNS?
Applications have 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.
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.
Applications for ACORNS 12 will remain open until midnight on September 18. 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.
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