Mayo entrepreneur completes ACORNS programme supporting women in rural business
A Mayo entrepreneur is celebrating after completing the latest cycle of the ACORNS programme, a national initiative supporting women living in rural Ireland to grow and develop their businesses.
Tracy Armstrong, founder of TAM, was the only participant from Mayo to complete the six-month programme, joining female entrepreneurs from across the country for a structured cycle of mentoring, peer learning and business development.
Based in Claremorris, TAM is a fractional marketing agency supporting small businesses with practical, results-driven marketing.
The business works with clients to simplify their marketing by bringing strategy, digital and traditional activity together, while also helping them make effective use of AI to save time and improve results.
The ACORNS programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and led by Paula Fitzsimons.
It is designed specifically for early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural areas and focuses on collaborative learning, roundtable discussions and real-world business challenges.
Speaking about her experience, Tracy said the programme came at a pivotal point in her business journey.
“I’ve spent over 15 years working in marketing, but building a business on your own is a completely different challenge.
"ACORNS gave me the space to step back and really look at how I’m building TAM, not just what I’m doing day-to-day, but how it all fits together.”
She added that the peer support element of the programme was particularly impactful.
“One of the most valuable parts was being surrounded by other women who are building businesses in rural Ireland.
"Many of them are balancing family life as well, and there’s a real honesty in those conversations.
"It’s incredibly motivating and reassuring to realise you’re not on your own.”
Participants in the programme work in small groups, sharing experiences and supporting each other in a confidential and structured environment, with a strong focus on sustainable business growth.
For Tracy, completing the programme has brought renewed clarity and confidence as she continues to grow TAM.
“It challenged me in the right way. You’re supported, but you’re also encouraged to think bigger and make decisions that will move your business forward. That combination is what makes it so valuable.”
She is now encouraging other female entrepreneurs across Mayo and the wider region to consider applying for the next round which begins in September.