Peter Johnston, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Rebecca Hoban, Outwest Clothing. Pic: Orla Murray/CoalesceACORNS is inviting female entrepreneurs from Kerry to submit their applications for the 12th cycle of the highly successful business development programme.
The programme supports women living in rural Ireland who are in the early stages of starting their own business. It has been supporting female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland since 2014.
Kerry entrepreneur Christina Foley of Inish Living recently completed the programme. She joins Rebecca Hoban of Outwest Clothing as previous Kerry participants calling on businesswomen to join the programme.
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The free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Christina Foley, Inish Living and Orla Brady, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine at the ACORNS Community Forum 2026. Pic: Orla Murray/Coalesce
The deadline for applications for ACORNS 12 is midnight, September 18. There are up to 50 places available. Those wishing to receive an application form should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).
In November 2022, Christina Foley launched her business Inish Living (www.inishliving.com) at her home in Tuosist on the Beara Peninsula. Inish Living is a luxury lifestyle wellness brand which nurtures wellness through movement, rest and play. Collections include bio-based yoga mats and accessories, thick wipeable play mats and customised, temperature-controlled TENCEL™ Lyocell bed linen designed for deep sleep, made from high-quality materials, and designed to last.
Christina says: “Being part of the ACORNS programme was truly transformational for both myself and my business, Inish Living. Our round table sessions, led by the brilliant Caroline Reidy, were packed with insights and encouragement. Her expertise and real-world advice made a huge impact, and her leadership created a space where we could all grow in confidence and capability. The peer support was incredible. I’ve gained genuine friendships and a powerful network of like-minded, ambitious women. I can wholeheartedly say that ACORNS helped shape the future of my business, giving me the tools, clarity and belief to take Inish Living to the next level.”
Rebecca Hoban grew up around entrepreneurs and always knew she wanted to start her own business. Outwest Clothing (www.outwestclothing.ie) is an Irish outdoor brand that was brought to life through the love of adventure, landscapes and community.
Rebecca says: “ACORNS is an incredible programme that brings together like-minded women in a truly motivating and supportive environment. It’s where you find your tribe of rural female entrepreneurs who are boldly making their mark on Ireland and beyond. While our challenges can differ from those in urban areas, having a group of women who truly understand what you’re going through makes all the difference.”
ACORNS is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur with first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland.
The programme is available to early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland who have generated sales no earlier than the end of June 2023. Selection is on a competitive basis as ACORNS receives many more applications than there are places available.
ACORNS 12 will run from October 2026 to April 2027 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration.
There will be no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 12, thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs.
