Leitrim entrepreneur talks growth and empowerment through women-led network ACORNS

Leitrim businesswoman Diletta Panero recently represented the county at an ACORNS networking event in Mullingar, celebrating a decade of supporting female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland.

ACORNS, which stands for Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups, is a free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland. It has been running since 2014 and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).

The event aimed to help participants broaden their networks, do business with each other, focus on their development goals and exchange ideas on overcoming business challenges.

“It was lovely to go back and meet the people in my group and see other participants of ACORNS. It was great to see participants from the previous series to see how their business developed and hear of the challenges they faced, and the importance of ACORNS in shaping them all,” Diletta explained.

The session was led by ACORNS Director Paula Fitzsimons and voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs Anne Reilly, Alison Richie and Emer Hannon.

Diletta was part of group ‘ACORNS nine,’ and emphasised how events like the one she attended are crucial for women, as they highlight the growing number of businesswomen, turning ideas into successful ventures.

Originally from Italy, Diletta launched her business, DP Language Services in Kinlough nearly two years ago.

Through the help of ACORNS, she has gotten her business on track and is enjoying offering her services locally and internationally.

Diletta’s work extends beyond language services to include cultural competence training for corporations preparing to send employees abroad.

Despite being based rurally, she is able to serve clients in countries like Spain and Italy thanks to the reach of online connections.

“I’m at the beginning of my journey. I'm a year and a half in business, but it’s going well.”

Recently, she had the opportunity to collaborate with Leitrim Development Company in helping refugees to integrate in Leitrim.

“I prepared a training programme for asylum seekers and refugees to integrate them more quickly in Leitrim. My work is very interdisciplinary, I work with schools as well as providing workshops and language training.”

Diletta attributes much of her success as well as the success of other businesswomen she knows in rural Ireland to the support provided by ACORNS. 

“It was very advantageous for me when I was in the early stages because it really shaped my business by asking the important questions.

“They're all volunteers and are so generous with their time. It’s so fundamental to be in touch with other women who are going through the same things you’re going through,” she remarked.

Memorial event for Garda Gary Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly in Ballinamore

Women entrepreneurship in Ireland has seen significant progress in recent years, driven by programmes and initiatives like ACORNS. In 2022, 37 percent of high-potential start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland were led by women.

Although she is doing well, Diletta encountered numerous challenges when starting her business.

“One of the biggest challenges is getting your name out there. At the beginning no one knows your business or what you’re doing.

“Also, at the beginning you have to wear many hats as the budget is a bit more restricted. You’re the founder but you’re also the administrator, promoter, marketer and everything.”

Diletta is working alongside some freelance collaborators now, which has helped make her workload more manageable.

Diletta encourages other women in Leitrim who are considering starting their own businesses to seek support from the Local Enterprise Office and programmes like ACORNS.

“The Local Enterprise Office has been amazing, even when my idea was just an idea and nothing was tangible, they provided free training and mentorship.

“I cannot encourage enough women to participate in ACORNS. It’s important to be with people that are likeminded that have the same goals and dreams as you,” she enthused.

Diletta emphasised the importance of building a network through programmes like ACORNS, noting that having supportive connections is crucial.

She explained that having people to talk to and share experiences with is especially valuable when facing challenges or obstacles in business.

ACORNS 10 is now underway, and 56 early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland have been selected to participate.

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