Female entrepreneurs in Kildare encouraged to apply for free business development programme

Female entrepreneurs throughout County Kildare are encouraged to apply for a free business development programme.

Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups (ACORNS), which is in its 11th year, is currently accepting applications.

It is a development programme which aims to support women living in rural Ireland who are in the early stages of starting their own business. 

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. 

Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2022, are eligible to apply for ACORNS 11. Selection is on a competitive basis.

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ACORNS 11 will run from October 2025 to April 2026. It will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration. 

There will be no charge for those selected to participate in the programme.

ACORNS 11 is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said that he was "delighted" to launch the latest cycle for ACORNS 11.

"The programme continues to go from strength to strength and has supported over 550 women in rural Ireland over the last ten years," he added.

TESTIMONY

Kildare-based entrepreneur Magda Seymour of Pure Oskar recently completed the programme.  

Back in October 2020, Ms Seymour, who lives in the village of Athgarvan, set up Pure Oskar, a skincare company. 

Most recently, Magda partnered with Guinness to create a custom-designed soap available exclusively at the Guinness Storehouse.

Speaking about her time with ACORNS, she said that the programme was "a game-changer" for me and my business.

"The support, shared experience, and practical insights from both the 'Lead Entrepreneur' and fellow participants helped me navigate real challenges and refocus my strategy.

"It’s an empowering experience that gives you the tools, and the confidence, to scale your business while staying true to your values."

She concluded: "I would highly recommend it to any female entrepreneur ready to take the next step."

This year’s voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs are: Alison Ritchie (Polar Ice); Caroline Reidy (The HR Suite), Eimer Hannon (Hannon Travel); Geraldine Jones (Skin Formulas); Mary B Walsh (Ire Wel Pallets); and Triona MacGiolla Rí (Aró Digital Strategies).

In addition, experienced businesswomen Clare Duignan and Geraldine Kelly, who are on the Going for Growth advisory panel, will facilitate ACORNS Plus round tables for previous participants.

The deadline for applications for ACORNS 11 is midnight, September 22, 2025. There are up to 50 places available.

Those wishing to receive an application form can visit at www.acorns.ie.

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