ACORNS 8 ran from October 2022 to April 2023. Forty-six early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland completed the programme. At the end of the cycle, all participants reported that participation in ACORNS was of value to their business.
- The combined turnover of the overall group almost doubled over the cycle. Participants recorded an increase of €1.7m over the six months of the cycle to €3.6m.
- There were 5 participants that became exporters for the first time. 14 participants now have export experience (31%).
- There were 16 additional employees hired during the period.
The ACORNS 8 participants were very positive in their feedback in terms of their experience of the initiative: 84% reported that they made a decision for their business during the round table sessions; 89% said that their participation brought about practical change within their business; 96% 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.