The cost-of-living crisis is top of the news agenda. And while it’s good news for the utility companies, who will be filling their coffers while we try to stay warm, it’s terrible news for those of us who prefer not to wear five layers 24 hours a day.
Those over 50 are going to be worse off than most, as thousands have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and now make up the biggest group of freelancers in the UK. So, if you’re one of those people or have a parent who is wondering how they will make ends meet, then Startup School for Seniors could be the answer.
Course facilitators NW London-based serial entrepreneur Suzanne Noble (that’s me) and business coach Mark Elliott came together to create the programme in May 2020. We had both lost our work and, recognising the need to support others of a similar age and circumstance, applied for and were successful at receiving COVID response funding to create the online programme.
Even better, we have subsequently received a grant from the newly formed Future Camden Fund to help reach more potential business owners in the borough.
Now, funded by the GLA and Learn Ealing, we have sponsored places for Londoners, both employed and unemployed. You might have an idea you would like to turn into a business, have too many ideas or want to increase the money you earn as a sole trader.
During this eight-week online programme, you’ll learn everything from where business ideas come from to how to find your ideal customer, using social media and other forms of marketing to sell to them.
You’ll learn how to perfect your business ‘pitch’, trying out your sales patter with a warm, welcoming group of people. For those with disabilities, the course is delivered mainly in the form of pre-recorded videos, all captioned and transcribed. The material is available to be accessed for a year.
You can come with any type of business. Previous participants have included hat makers (see the testimonial below and main image, above), food businesses, consultants of all kinds, life and business coaches and those who have aspirations to start and run fast-scaling tech start-ups. No matter what your ambition, big or small, Startup School wants to support you.
Startup School testimonials
“For me, it was really useful to have the structure, time and space to question what I was doing and how I was doing it. I enjoyed the sessions and would recommend them to anyone starting a business in mid-life or later, whatever their previous experience.”
Helen Smith, Made Of Moxie pure wool hats, pictured above
“This program has helped me to build confidence in my business and, more importantly, in myself as an entrepreneur and I’ve seen the same breakthrough in other participants through the course. I recommend this course for all of those that are pondering if to start a business of any kind.”
Patricia Gestoso
The next course starts this month and you can go to Startup School For Seniors to enrol. There are a mix of fully-funded free and paid-for places, depending on your eligibility.
