Supporting entrepreneurs in their prime

The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) is launching a Senior Entrepreneurship Programme, called Primetime, which is aimed at empowering and supporting entrepreneurs aged 50 and over who are looking to start or scale their business ventures.

The Nelson City Council says the chamber has been selected by the Office for Seniors together with four organisations to run a 12-month pilot starting in June of 2023.

“This unique programme will provide older entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to turn their business ideas into reality,” it says.

These tools include one-on-one mentorship from experienced business leaders, access to a network of successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, educational resources and training sessions on topics such as: marketing, finance and business planning and connection to local business organisations through the NTCC.

Project manager, Stephen Broad-Paul, says the chamber is looking forward to helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

“We recognise the incredible value and experience that senior entrepreneurs bring to the table and we believe that age should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship.

“That’s why we’ve opted to become involved in this programme to provide the support and resources that entrepreneurs in their prime need to succeed,” Stephen says.

Primetime says as the median age of our population rises, it’s recognised that more and more people are embracing the second half of their lives with plenty of life experience, enthusiasm and great ideas.

“You have a business in its early stages, or it’s just a brilliant idea and you need some extras skills and knowledge to progress it into something amazing.

“You can even apply if you have started a business before, there is no limit to the number of brilliant ideas that someone can have in their lifetime,” Primetime says.

The programme has entrepreneurs join a cohort of 16 where they attend half day workshops in Nelson, once or twice a month. The workshops will be facilitated by subject matter experts, with the content aligned to the needs of a budding entrepreneur. Students will also be assigned a mentor who will support them for nine months during the programme.

Primetime says that during the course of the programme, budding entrepreneurs will attend five-member board meetings where members can share experiences and learn from each other.

“You will need to allow up to three hours per week for this programme,” Primetime says. While there is no upper age limit, Primetime is exclusively for those 50 and over so if you’re under that age, you’re not eligible.

Registrations for Primetime are open now and you can find out more at: www.primetime.org.nz CT

Wakefield Homestead is owned and operated by Hilary Bird and Margaret Bird who are sisters that grew up in the Wakefield area. We are committed to the further development of the Wakefield Homestead to make it a home away from home.

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