Rural female entrepreneurs sought

A call has recently been opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for applications for ACORNS 7.

This initiative is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is focused on early stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland. ACORNS has developed into a real grassroots movement and has supported over 300 female entrepreneurs over the last five years.

This initiative is currently looking for another 50 female entrepreneurs, who will benefit over the next six months from the peer support offered.

To qualify for consideration, the entrepreneur (i) must have recently set up a new business which she owns or part owns, and which has generated sales no earlier than January 1, 2019 or (ii) must be at an advanced stage of planning a new venture and have a clear idea of what she wants to achieve. She must also be living in a rural area. These are all areas of the country outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Those interested in applying should register on the website www.acorns.ie and a link will be sent to the application form. Completed application forms have to be returned by midnight September 10.

There is no charge to those selected thanks to the support of the department and the voluntary contribution of time by the ACORNS Lead Entrepreneurs. This is a wonderful opportunity for early stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland.

Previous participant Lisa Larkin of Durrow Mills, located near Kilbeggan, said: "Getting a new business off the ground has its challenges. ACORNS has been a fantastic experience and support to me over several years. It helped me drive my business forward. Without it, my business would never have progressed to where it is now."