ACORNS 12 applications now open

The programme aimed at bringing together and supporting rural female entrepreneurs has officially opened applications for its 12th cycle

From left: Kel Galavan, Mrs Smart Money; agriculture minister Martin Heydon; Karen Kerrigan of Kerrigan’s Mushrooms and ACORNS lead, and Elaine Crosse, Bánór, as the minister formally opened the call for applicants for a new cycle of ACORNS.

The ACORNS 12 programme to help support female entrepreneurs starting on their business journey is once again open for applicants.

ACORNS, which stands for Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-ups, is now in its 12th year. The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said: “My department has supported Female Rural Entrepreneurs under the Rural Innovation Development Fund for over a decade. To date, more than 600 women in rural Ireland have completed a cycle of the ACORNS programme.” 

ACORNS aims to provide skills and capabilities that female entrepreneurs require when embarking on their business journey.

Continuing, the minister said: “I am acutely aware of the difficulties that entrepreneurial women can come up against when attempting to start new businesses, especially in rural areas, and the ACORNS programme is a real, tangible mechanism to mitigate and overcome these challenges.” 

The programme is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the department.

The programme, which was developed by Fitzsimons Consulting, is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants will interact with each other and will be facilitated by Lead Entrepreneurs.

From the 53 participants in the previous cycle of the programme, all would recommend the programme, with 98% reporting feeling closer to achieving their business ambitions following the programme and 94% saying their participation brought about practical change within their business.

Nine businesses began trading for the first time during the last ACORNS cycle. The combined annual turnover of ACORNS 11 participants grew from €4.1m to almost €6m, while the number of people employed by participants rose by 59 to a total of 134 by the end of the cycle. 

There were also four new exporters among participants by the end of the six-month cycle.

Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur with first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland.

The programme is available to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland who have generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2023. There are up to 50 places available.

Those wishing to apply must first register their interest via the ACORNS website. They will then be sent an application by email.

Mr Heydon concluded by saying: “It brings me great pleasure to launch, once again, this innovative and progressive programme that aims to bring about real change in our rural economy, breathes life into our country towns and villages and assists women across rural Ireland to begin and grow their budding businesses.” 

Six monthly round-table sessions

Acorns 12 will run from October 2026 to April 2027 and will include six monthly round-table sessions, briefings from various development agencies, and an end-of-cycle celebration. There will be no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 12, as a result of the support from the department and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs.

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

In addition, Dr Anne Cusack and Geraldine Kelly, who are experienced Going for Growth lead entrepreneurs, will facilitate ACORNS Plus round tables for previous participants, who are committed to continuing to drive forward the development of their businesses.

ACORNS lead entrepreneur, Karen Kerrigan of Kerrigan’s Mushrooms, said: “Becoming an ACORNS Lead has been a truly rewarding experience. 

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.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see participants grow in confidence, believe in themselves, and see their businesses grow alongside that. The enthusiasm, honesty and generosity within the group have kept me motivated and reminded me that we're all continually learning, no matter what stage we're at in our business journey.” 

Director of ACORNS, Paula Fitzsimons, said: “We are very pleased to invite applications for another cycle of ACORNS, which has consistently delivered meaningful results for both participants and the wider economy. We look forward to receiving applications from the next group of prospective ACORNS and to supporting those selected as they work to grow their businesses, increase revenues and create employment.”