The Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, has encouraged rural female entrepreneurs to apply for the sixth cycle of ACORNS.
ACORNS is a government-backed programme that will “assist another 50 early-stage rural female entrepreneurs” and “continue to support previous participants”.
In total, over 200 female entrepreneurs across rural Ireland will be supported by the programme over the coming months.
The call is now open for women with new businesses or well-developed ideas to join the new cycle of the free programme – ACORNS 6.
Minister Calleary stated:
“I am committed to supporting sustainable enterprise and entrepreneurial activity in rural areas, as this will underpin sustainable community development.
I also wish to see the economic potential of women harnessed to the greatest extent possible.
“Against this background, I am delighted that my department, through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund, will continue to support the initiative.
“ACORNS provides valuable peer support to early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland, who have recently started or are about to start a business.
“In the challenging circumstances that we find ourselves, this support is needed now more than ever. I encourage early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland to apply without delay,” he concluded.
ACORNS 6 initiative
A total of 50 new participants are being sought for ACORNS 6. The programme will run over six months from October 2020 to April 2021.
The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is September 21, 2020.