Start your own business course

Meath County Enterprise Board (CEB) is calling on local people over 50 years of age to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit and contribute to making Meath a truly entrepreneurial county. The board has introduced a new 50+ Start Your Own Business course which will help budding entrepreneurs to fully research their ideas and explore all the options available. "Right now, Ireland needs to tap into all the entrepreneurial talent available. There is untapped potential among individuals aged 50+ to build on the experience and skills accumulated over a lifetime of working and start a new business," said Hugh Reilly, CEO of Meath CEB. The course will run on nine consecutive Saturday mornings, starting on Saturday 25th September. "This is the first initiative of its kind anywhere in Europe. It is a unique opportunity for people over 50 to develop new entrepreneurial skills and to start their own business," said Mr Reilly. "Our focus is on the positive advantages that seniors can bring to business in Ireland. These people have acquired life experience and business skills. They often want to change direction in their 50s. Starting their own business may have been an ambition that many of them may have harboured for years. Circumstances may now make it possible for them to follow their dream. This course will give them the ability to work for themselves and create employment for others," he added. In the US, the rate of entrepreneurial activity among those aged 55+ is way ahead of what it is in Ireland. "This highlights the potential for more of those aged 50+ to consider taking the first step towards entrepreneurship in this country," added Hugh Reilly. Strong interest is already evident in the new initiative with a high level of enquiries and bookings being reported. The course offers advice and guidance on entrepreneurship, building a business plan, finance, marketing and sales.