ACORNS
A six month part-time development programme for women starting a business in rural Ireland. The next cycle runs from October 2027 to April 2028.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Applications for the October 2026 to April 2027 cycle have closed. The next cycle runs from October 2027 to April 2028 and application forms are sent from August 2027 to people who register their interest. A six month part-time development programme for women in RURAL Ireland who are starting a business, or who have recently started one. ACORNS stands for Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups. It is built around round table sessions run by Lead Entrepreneurs, women who have started and grown their own businesses in rural Ireland, on the idea that you learn most from someone who has done it. Two ways to qualify: you recently set up a business you own or part own that has made sales no earlier than the end of June 2024 (the cut-off on the current ACORNS page, which moves with each cycle), OR you are at an advanced stage of planning a new venture with a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Rural means anywhere outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, so most of the country counts. You register your interest on the website and an application form is sent to you as soon as forms are available (August 2027). The next cycle runs from October 2027 to April 2028 and application forms are sent from August 2027 to those who have registered their interest. It is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Questions to info@acorns.ie or 01 845 0770.
Who can get it
- You are a woman living in rural Ireland, which means anywhere outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, so most of the country counts
- You recently set up a business you own or part own that made sales no earlier than the end of June 2024 (the current ACORNS page; the cut-off moves with each cycle), or you are at an advanced stage of planning a new venture with a clear idea of what you want to achieve
- You can commit to the six month programme, which for the next cycle runs from October 2027 to April 2028
- It is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund.
- The learning happens in round table sessions led by Lead Entrepreneurs, women who have built their own businesses in rural Ireland, who give their time voluntarily.
- You register your interest on the ACORNS site and an application form is sent to you as soon as forms are available, which ACORNS expects in August 2027.
- The ACORNS site gives two versions of the rule: its applying page says a business set up within the last 3 years and its home page says sales no earlier than the end of June 2024. Check the cut-off with ACORNS when you register.
How to apply
Applications go through DAFM. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
Does ACORNS cost anything?
The current ACORNS pages do not set out costs for the next cycle, so ask ACORNS (info@acorns.ie or 01 845 0770) when you register your interest.
When is the next ACORNS cycle?
The next cycle runs from October 2027 to April 2028. Register your interest on the ACORNS site and an application form is sent to you as soon as forms are available, expected in August 2027.
What counts as rural for ACORNS?
Anywhere outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Most of the country qualifies.
How new does my business have to be?
Either it made sales no earlier than the end of June 2024 (the cut-off on the current ACORNS page, which moves with each cycle), or you are at an advanced stage of planning a new venture with a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
Related guides
- LEO Priming Grant
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Enterprise Support Grant
- Earned Income Credit
- Short-Term Enterprise Allowance
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