Workshops aim to inspire over 50s to get into enterprise

Social Enterprise Solutions (SES) and The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) are teaming up to help would-be mature entrepreneurs in Lancashire start their own businesses.

The half-day workshop will be delivered by PRIME, a charity dedicated to supporting over 50s start businesses, and on the day attendees will be able to find out what is involved before setting up an enterprise and whether it is the right option for them.

For those who want additional support in their business endeavours, SES will be hosting a comprehensive business training course beginning on 2 October. The course includes three classroom days, as well as coursework, where aspiring entrepreneurs will learn essential skills to run a business, such as researching the market, understanding accounts and how to write a business plan.

“All of these events are free to attend and we are welcoming anyone over the age of 50 who is not working and lives in Lancashire, in places such as Blackpool, Fleetwood, Preston and Lancaster.”

Older people have played a significant role in this growth as there are now 1.87 million over 50s across the UK working for themselves, increasing by 27% in the past five years.

PRIME’s Terry King OBE said: “We are living longer and there are more people realising that they will now need to work longer than they had previously planned for so they can retire on a better pension. However, older people are more likely to experience long-term unemployment and still experience age discrimination, which hampers their efforts in the job market.

Tony Carr added: “We are delighted to be partnering with PRIME and to have sufficient funding through The European Social Fund to focus on mature entrepreneurs wishing to set up their own businesses. “This is the first time we have specifically supported the over 50s to take control of their own solutions, harnessing their individual value and skills to develop a fulfilling lifestyle. While we also recognise that self-employment may not always be the best option for everyone over 50, we have strong links with the voluntary sector to support these participants into meaningful community or volunteering activities, so come along anyway.”