Acorns returns to boost rural economies

The latest programme of Acorns will be more important than ever as the restart and recovery of the economy continues following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Acorns is a successful development initiative for female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland and aims to support sustainable enterprise and entrepreneurial activity in rural areas.

The call is now open for women with new businesses or well-developed ideas to join the new cycle of the free programme - Acorns 6. The initiative will also continue to support participants from previous cycles through further development phases.

The programme was launched by the now former minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary.

Minister Calleary stated: “Acorns provides valuable peer support to early stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland, who have recently started or are about to start a business. In the challenging circumstances that we find ourselves, this support is needed now more than ever. I encourage early stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland to apply without delay.”

A total of 50 new participants are being sought for Acorns 6. The programme will run over six months from October 2020 to April 2021. The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is 21 September 2020.

Any woman with a new business based in rural Ireland — or an idea for a new venture they want to get off the ground — can get more info and download an application form at www.acorns.ie. There is no charge for participation.

Fitzsimons Consulting, specialising in entrepreneurship and growth, developed the initiative. Paula Fitzsimons said: “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. Over the next six months, we will have more than 200 female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland being actively supported through Acorns.”

Acorns is based on peer support and collaborative learning. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from successful female entrepreneurs - lead entrepreneurs.

Acting in a voluntary capacity, these lead entrepreneurs will share their insights and experience with the group and help the participants to address the issues and challenges they face in starting and progressing their businesses. They also act as role models, illustrating by their actions that it is possible to start and grow a successful business in rural Ireland.

This year, the Acorns lead entrepreneurs are: Anne Reilly, Paycheck Plus; Caroline McEnery, The HR Suite; Eimer Hannon, Eimer Hannon Travel; Larissa Feeney, Accountant Online; Mary B. Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets and Triona MacGiolla Rí, Aró Digital Strategies.