ACORNS 11 ran from October 2025 to April 2026 with 53 early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland completing the programme. At the end of the cycle, all of the participants returned end of cycle surveys.
Based on these surveys:
All participants reported that participation in ACORNS was of value to their business.
• The combined turnover of the overall group increased by nearly €2m over the six months period to almost €6m (+46%).
• Four participants became exporters for the first time.
• There were 59 additional employees hired during the period (32 full time and 27 part-time).
The ACORNS 11 participants were very positive regarding their experience of the initiative: 94% reported that they made a business decision during the round table sessions; 94% said participation brought about practical change within their business; 98% felt nearer to achieving their ambitions; 100% would recommend participating in ACORNS to others; and 100% would welcome a means of staying in contact with the ACORNS network.