Business programme launched for local entrepreneurs over the age of 50
By Brendan Grehan
A BUSINESS programme has been launched for entrepreneurs over the age of 50.
ISAX (Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange) and Bank of Ireland are further developing their partnership with the announcement of a new schedule of Ingenuity Build your Own Business programmes which are designed for individuals over the age of 50.
The programme is led by ISAX in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Dublin, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of mature adults.
A recent graduate of the programme, Marie Nugent Smyth from Lucan, completed the ISAX course in December 2016. A retired nurse and neuro-linguistic programming expert, Marie’s passion for developing children’s emotional development skills encouraged her to start ‘Inner Inspiration’ shortly after completing the ISAX course.
Marie’s unique storytelling technique, which has been channelled into CDs and workshops in schools across Ireland, aims to advance the emotional intelligence of children.
Marie told The Echo: “One of the things I loved most about the course was the peer-to-peer learning and the generous sharing of contacts and expertise.
“Working with other over 50’s with the same ambition to start their own business was what really made it for me. As I didn’t have a background in business, the programme gave me a grounding in all aspects of setting up a business.
“I’d highly recommend the course to all budding entrepreneurs out there.”
The eight week programme includes workshops, bespoke mentoring, networking and the opportunity to pitch to a panel of investors on the finale night.
The next programme starts on April 25 next and will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
It will run across two venues; Local Enterprise Office South Dublin at County Hall in Tallaght and Bank of Ireland Workbench, Montrose, Dublin 4.
Graduates of the programme have the option to join the Ingenuity Alumni Club and avail of co-working desk space in the ISAX Smart Ageing Innovation Exchange based in Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8.
Applications are open for the programme until April 10 2017.
Applications can be made online at: http://info.isax.ie/ expression-of-interest-for-ingenuity
