Call for female entrepreneurs in rural Kilkenny to apply for ACORNS

As the call goes out for applications for the 9th cycle of ACORNS, all those who completed ACORNS 8 encourage others to apply.

ACORNS is a free development programme for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture.

The deadline for applications is midnight, September 22.

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In a survey carried out at the end of the eighth cycle of the programme in April, 100% of participants said they would recommend the programme to others.

The 46 entrepreneurs in ACORNS 8 also reported significant growth in their new businesses. Their combined turnover doubled in the six months to April 2023 - from €1.9m to €3.6m.

A total of 96% of the participants said that they felt closer to achieving their ambitions after having completed ACORNS, while 89% said that their participation brought about a practical change within their business.

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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 50 places available for ACORNS 9. Those wishing to receive an application form for ACORNS 9 should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).

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Only early-stage female entrepreneurs operating in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2020, are eligible to apply. Selection is on a competitive basis.
ACORNS 9 will run from October 2022 to April 2023 .
There will no charge for those selected to participate.