ACORNS 10 Business Development Programme.

By Steven Galvin - Last update


Get Daily news and updates directly to your Email




ACORNS is celebrating a decade of support for female entrepreneurship in rural Ireland with the launch of the 10th cycle of the business development programme.

 

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).

 

Charlie McConalogue T.D, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, launched the opening of the call for applications for ACORNS 10. The deadline for applications is midnight, September 20th.

 

The Minister 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.

 

While 57 participants completed ACORNS 9 and returned end of cycle feedback, the initiative also provided continued support to more than 300 past participants through the ACORNS Community, which provided them with the opportunity to take part in workshops, roundtables, a Community Forum and other networking events.

 

Each of the Lead Entrepreneurs give their time to the programme on a voluntary basis, as they believe in the philosophy of ‘entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs’.

 

This year’s voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs are Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice; Caroline Reidy, The HR Suite; Eimer Hannon, Hannon Travel; Larissa Feeney, Kinore; Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets; and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies.

 

In addition, experienced businesswomen, Clare Duignan and Geraldine Kelly, who are on the Going for Growth advisory panel, will facilitate ACORNS Plus round tables for previous participants, who are committed to continuing driving forward the development of their businesses.

 

In addition, a series of regional Gatherings for ACORNS Community members will be held in the autumn to celebrate 10 years of the initiative. These Gatherings will provide an opportunity for previous ACORNS participants to reconnect, network with other ACORNS from different cycles in their region and focus on the continuing and further development of their businesses.

 

QUOTES FROM AN ACORNS LEAD ENTREPRENEUR AND TWO PARTICIPANTS

“As a voluntary Lead Entrepreneur with ACORNS, I am deeply committed to fostering the growth and success of early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland. Having experienced the value of facilitated roundtables first hand, throughout my own entrepreneurial journey, I believe ACORNS provides an unparalleled platform for women to develop their start-up businesses, gain critical insights, and build lasting networks. By participating in this programme, these entrepreneurs receive the guidance and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and to be part of a movement that empowers women to drive economic and social change in their communities.”

– Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice, ACORNS Lead Entrepreneur

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.

– Carina Roseingrave, Burren View Farm, ACORNS 9

 

“ACORNS was absolutely amazing. You meet other people that are, like yourself, just starting out in business. You are also part of such a strong community that has your best interests at heart. It’s a very safe environment to air anything you might be struggling with. You know that if you’ve got a question, there’s always someone there with the expertise to help you answer that question and get you through.”

– Olivia Morrissey, Rostellan Farm, ACORNS 7 and ACORNS Plus



Steven Galvin

Digital Trade Agreement between EU and Singapore
Applied Strategic Brand Management at Marketing Institute Ireland


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We'd love to send you the latest news and articles about evening classes, further learning and adult education by email. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care and will never sell them to other companies for marketing purposes.

Comments and Reviews Policy



Featured Articles

“People Don’t Quit Bad Jobs. They Quit Bad Managers”: Why Leadership Training is Essential

“People don’t quit bad jobs. They quit bad managers.” – This widely recognized sentiment underscores the pivotal role that leadership and management play in employee retention, satisfaction, and overall organizational success. While companies often focus on job roles, perks, and compensation to keep employees happy, the key to creating a thriving, motivated team lies in […]

Posted in: Government

Ireland’s Seed and Venture Capital Scheme: Fueling Innovation

Ireland has cultivated a robust ecosystem for startups and high-growth enterprises, and a key component of this success is the Seed and Venture Capital Scheme. This government-backed initiative provides crucial funding to early-stage companies, helping them to scale and compete on a global stage.    How it Works The Seed and Venture Capital Scheme operates […]

Posted in: Digital

High Performance Computing

The High Performance Computing (HPC) service requirements for the research and innovation community in Ireland are driven by the increasing complexity and scale of scientific and engineering simulations, data analysis, and modeling tasks. To meet these demands, HPC services must provide: 1. High-Performance Computing Infrastructure: Powerful Processors: HPC systems require high-performance processors, such as CPUs […]

Strategic Brand Management

A strong brand can be the difference between market leadership and obscurity. Strategic Brand Management has emerged as a critical discipline for companies looking to create, maintain, and leverage their brand for long-term success. This comprehensive approach goes beyond mere logo design or advertising campaigns, encompassing a holistic strategy to shape consumer perceptions and drive […]

Understanding Essential Skill Types

Employees need a diverse set of skills to thrive and contribute effectively to their organizations. Understanding the different types of skills can help both employers and employees identify strengths, address weaknesses, and foster professional growth. Below, we explore the four fundamental types of employee skills: technical skills, soft skills, transferable skills, and job-specific skills. Technical […]

Posted in: Digital

Digital Trade Agreements

Digital Trade Agreements (DTAs) have emerged as pivotal frameworks for governing international trade in digital goods and services. These agreements aim to facilitate seamless cross-border data flows, enhance cooperation on cybersecurity, and set standards for digital commerce, ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. Key Aspects of Digital Trade Agreements Cross-Border Data Flows: DTAs ensure the […]

Posted in: AI Digital Marketing

Harnessing Digital Marketing and AI for Business Success

Digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI)  are not only transforming how companies reach and engage with their audiences but also how they analyze data, make decisions, and strategize for the future. Here’s a deep dive into how digital marketing and AI are revolutionizing business and why integrating them can lead to unprecedented success. 1. The […]

Posted in: Uncategorised

Understanding the European Innovation Scoreboard

The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) is a tool developed by the European Commission to provide a comparative assessment of the research and innovation performance of European Union (EU) member states and select non-EU countries. The EIS aims to help policymakers, businesses, and researchers identify strengths and weaknesses in national and regional innovation systems and track […]

The Benefits of Taking a Project Management Course

Effective project management is critical to organizational success. Whether you are looking to enhance your current skills or embark on a new career path, taking a project manager course can provide a wealth of benefits. Here’s a look at how a project manager course can propel your career forward and equip you with the tools […]

Assertiveness and Self-Confidence in the Corporate World

In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of the corporate world, assertiveness and self-confidence are invaluable assets that can propel your career to new heights. These traits not only enhance your ability to communicate effectively and make informed decisions but also contribute to your overall professional presence and credibility. The Assertive Mindset Assertiveness is the ability […]