Laois woman completes highly successful programme to support female entrepreneurs

A young woman from Laois has completed the ACORNS programme – a highly-successful development initiative to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.

Hollianne Phelan from Portlaoise is founder of Cotone Collection, a brand of comfortable, functional and stylish sleepwear, which includes pyjamas tops, bottoms, oversized t-shirts, and dressing gowns. 
 
Speaking about the programme Hollianne said: “I found ACORNS 9 to be an extremely amazing experience. The support I received throughout the six-month period was outstanding. My group has been the needed safe space for all business pains, headaches and problems. Each session and round table discussion constructed an environment where we felt we were in a safe space to discuss all of our business successes, shortcomings, questions and personal struggles. 

“Although from madly diverse sectors, each member always had a solution or knew of someone with the solution to every single issue our businesses encountered. To me, ACORNS truly stands out as a business accelerator programme. The guidance and camaraderie among fellow female entrepreneurs in the programme were invaluable. I feel equipped with not just knowledge but also a supportive network that I can rely on as I continue to grow my business.”

Hollianne is now encouraging other females in Laois to apply for the next cycle of the free business development programme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The free initiative  is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).

The deadline for applications for this special 10th anniversary cycle is midnight, September 20th. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 10. Those wishing to receive an application form should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).

Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, says: “2024 marks a decade of support from my Department for Female Rural Entrepreneurs.  This initiative has supported over 400 women in rural Ireland over the last ten years.  The programme aims to address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps that female entrepreneurs can face and takes into account the barriers which often limit entrepreneurial activity in rural areas. I am delighted that once again we can target this area and help Female Rural Entrepreneurs to realise their dreams of starting and growing successful businesses.”