ACORNS 9 ran from October 2023 to April 2024 with 59 early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland completed the programme. At the end of the cycle, 57 (95%) 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 €1.2m over the six months period to €4m (+43%).
• Four participants became exporters for the first time.
• There were 67 additional employees hired during the period (33 full time and 34 part-time).
The ACORNS 9 participants were very positive regarding their experience of the initiative: 96% reported that they made a business decision during the round table sessions; 96% said 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.