The Starting a Business at 50+ programme, which will begin in May, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs over 50 in Taranaki to launch their own businesses.
The programme is funded by the Office for Seniors and implemented through a partnership between Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional economic development agency, and Univentures Ltd.
“It’s never too late to start something new and turn an idea you’ve always dreamed of into a reality,” says Jennifer Patterson, GM Economic Development at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki.
“Starting a business later in life can be incredibly rewarding, and we know that people over 50 bring a wealth of experience, resilience, and innovative thinking.”
The programme combines online learning with in-person coaching to support participants. It includes three key components:
- Four online learning modules
- Two personalised one-on-one coaching sessions with a local business coach
- Two group coaching sessions, each lasting one hour.
Univentures chief executive Dr. Chris Kirk said, “Rather than viewing this stage of life as retirement, this programme envisions 50+ individuals as potential entrepreneurs who can make meaningful contributions to the economy and their communities and aims to help turn great ideas into viable business ventures.”
The programme will commence on May 12, 2025, with modules being delivered every two weeks, incorporating coaching and discussion sessions. It will wrap up on July 4, 2025.