There has been an increase in early-stage female entrepreneurs in Ireland over the past year and the call is now open for those with new businesses – or well-developed ideas – to join ACORNS 5.
And female entrepreneurs from Co. Kerry who have previously participated on the programme — as well as ‘Lead Entrepreneur’ Caroline McEnery of The HR Suite — are urging their fellow business owners to apply before the September 20 deadline. There is no charge for successful applicants.
ACORNS is the highly-successful development initiative to support female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, who wish to start and develop new businesses or have recently started a business.
Previous business owners from Kerry who have participated on a cycle of the programme include Emily Brick of Athena Analytics LTD and Maura Sheehy of Maura’s Cottage Flowers.
“ACORNS has been a great opportunity to meet like-minded people facing similar challenges in business,” said Emily Brick of Athena Analytics LTD.
“ACORNS has empowered me to bring my business to a different level. The peer support, friendships and opportunity to network has accelerated my business,” said Maura Sheehy of Maura’s Cottage Flowers.
‘Lead Entrepreneur’ on the programme, Kerry’s Caroline McEnery, founder of The HR Suite said:
“I’m so delighted to be involved in the ACORNS initiative and to help mentor female entrepreneurs ambitious to grow their business based in rural Ireland. The programme is one that has supported lots of successful entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level of growth and to spring board their own business and personal skills to new heights. If you are lucky enough to get on this programme you are going to get a superb opportunity so don’t delay; apply now. Best of luck!”
The call for applications follows the launch of the programme by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD. Over 200 female entrepreneurs have taken part in ACORNS to date and 50 new participants are being sought for ACORNS 5. The programme will run over six months from October 2019 to April 2020. The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is 20th September 2019.
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 information and register their interest at www.acorns.ie. There is no charge for participation.
