Those aged 50 and over are making an increasingly positive impact on Irish enterprise.
More than 4,400 individuals aged 50 and over started new businesses in Ireland last year, an increase of 36% on the previous year[1] (http://submit.html?edit=12215400#_ftn1). This is particularly significant as those aged 50 and over were the only age cohort to be more active as early stage entrepreneurs in Ireland than they were in 2011, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). These entrepreneurs are creating jobs for themselves and in many cases for others in the community.
Those aged 50 and over are not only active in setting up new businesses, over 10,000 individuals aged 50+ invested in new businesses here last year. The great majority of these individuals provided funds to family, friends or work colleagues.
Given the experience and accumulated skills which individuals in this age group possess, the Senior Enterprise organisers of this interactive two day workshop firmly believe that the number of volunteer mentors who would be available in this age group to support entrepreneurs is considerable.
“Ireland needs more entrepreneurs, more people willing to invest in businesses started by others and we need to tap into the spirit of giving back that characterizes many successful business people. Senior Enterprise wants to make sure that those aged 50, who would like to join this growing movement of enterprising seniors, have access to the tools they need to maximize their potential contribution be that through starting a business, investing or becoming a volunteer mentor ,” said John Byrne, Director of Senior Enterprise. “We know that working side-by-side with our partners, we will be able to reach talented people over the age of 50 who have the skills, experience and networks to really make a difference. In doing so, they will contribute to job creation and economic growth in their communities.”
Workshop participants will hear from influential international and national speakers, including Gavin Duffy, Chairman Age Friendly Business in Ireland. Successful business role models and mentors from Ireland, the UK and France will also share their stories. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in four separate developmental workshops aimed at those:
- In the very early stages of planning or starting a business
- Who have already set up a business after the age of fifty
- Who would like to become investors in a business started by someone else
- Who would like to become volunteer mentors
The second day will kick-off with facilitated round table sessions led by experienced trainers and will include the appropriate use of social media for business. Before departing, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the manner in which the Senior Enterprise Association can best support the greater engagement of those aged 50 and over with enterprise in the future.
Senior Enterprise is a transnational initiative, led by the Mid-East Regional Authority in Ireland, with partners The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) in the UK and inno TSD in France. The initiative is supported by the EU through INTERREG IVB North West Europe.
Those wishing to book a place at the Forum should contact Mary at info@seniorenterprise.ie or call 0404 66058.
For more information on Senior Enterprise please visit www.seniorenterprise.ie.
[1] (http://submit.html?edit=12215400#_ftnref1) According to research carried out by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor(GEM) for Ireland in 2012
