ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-ups)
About this good practice
ACORNS delivers tailored supports to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland. Its objective is to equip women with the knowledge, confidence, and networks to start and develop sustainable businesses. The programme is free and open to enterprising women, who have recently started a business or are at an advanced planning stage, regardless of sector.
Based on a belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from each other, ACORNS harnesses the power of peer-to-peer learning. Facilitated by a successful entrepreneur, known as a Lead Entrepreneur, participants take part in structured monthly roundtables, supporting each other to successfully navigate the early stages of a new business. The role of the Lead Entrepreneurs is crucial to the success of the programme. They are not consultants, academics, or professional trainers, but have first-hand experience of starting and growing a business in rural Ireland. All contribute their time on a voluntary basis.
ACORNS reduces psychological isolation and provides a safe space for the participants to discuss their challenges and seek remedies. They report a significant increase in confidence and motivation.
Since the pilot, a community element has been developed to continue to offer appropriate support and networking opportunities to past participants, The ACORNS Community grows stronger each year. There are currently over 300 former participants actively involved in the Community.
Resources needed
Funded under the Rural Development Fund through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, ACORNS was designed and is implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting, specialists in entrepreneurship. The panel of volunteer Lead Entrepreneurs based throughout rural Ireland is central to its success.
Evidence of success
Successfully implemented each year since 2014, over 450 female entrepreneurs have participated in ACORNS to date. At the end of the most recent cycle (April 2024), the participants reported an increase in combined turnover of 43% and a doubling of employment. They were also very positive in terms of their experience: 100% would recommend participation in ACORNS to others. ACORNS was a runner up in the 2018 European Enterprise Promotion Awards, Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills.
Potential for learning or transfer
The ACORNS programme has been demonstrably transformative for its participants, as shown by the growth and success of the participating enterprises. Its past participants are its great ambassadors. ACORNS addresses fundamental challenges of rural economic and social development common to regions across the EU. ACORNS provides an excellent model for supporting local entrepreneurship to sustain vibrant and flourishing communities in rural areas. In addition to practical support in knowledge and skills development, ACORNS is also, crucially, building a community of female entrepreneurs who understand each other’s challenges and contexts.
The role of Lead Entrepreneurs is central to this community-building. Replication of this good practice would require the establishment of a committed group of experienced and successful female entrepreneurs, based in rural areas, to guide participants on a programme of this kind.