Starting a Business Later in Life
More people are considering starting a business for the very first time later in life.

• Why start a business at my stage in life?
• What type of business should I look at starting?
• Are there practical tools I can use to test my idea?
• Where can I get advice I can trust?
• Is there free or low-cost support available?
• Where can I get the money needed to start a business?

In this practical 2-hour workshop we will explore some of these questions and point you in the right direction to get the assistance you need.
You will also be introduced to an online self-assessment tool, the Business Lean Canvas a framework you can use to test your idea, and to the resources available in your community.

Setting up a support network for people starting a business later in life.

Starting and running a business can be a lonely, and mystifying experience, for those who attempt this later in life.
 
We will be holding an exploratory discussion for anybody interested to setting up or becoming part of a local network of people who have started a business later in life or who are thinking about it.
Come and join us and share what you might be looking for and learn how other groups here and overseas have operated.


Workshop Facilitators
Geoff Pearman.
Geoff went into business for the first time aged 58. Since then, he has become an authority on age and work. He has consulted internationally in the field and worked with over 200 organisations in Australia and New Zealand. In 2015 he published the book Doing it Differently: life and work after 50.
Most recently he led a 5-year research project for Massey University into senior entrepreneurship. He has developed a set of practical resources including online assessment tools and guidance sheets people can use. Through the Office for Seniors, he is currently supporting and evaluating five Senior Enterprise pilot projects. These involve over 80 older people who are looking at starting a business.
In 2020 he was recognised in the New Year’s honours for his contribution to business and seniors.
 
Rebecca Finlay
Rebecca is a Regional Business Navigator with Business South and Growth and Enterprise Lead for Waitaki District Council. Her role is to support established and emerging businesses and to introduce them to the many resources available to help businesses of all sizes grow and develop. 

Numbers will be limited so registration is required.