Support for starting new businesses in Selwyn
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Last modified: 28 Mar 2022 6:05pm
A New Zealand first-of-its-kind series will be running in Selwyn to support people looking to start new businesses.
Applications are now open for the ‘Starting a business later in life course’ which will be running over four sessions throughout
May, supporting people over 50 who are considering starting a new business.
The course has been designed by business mentor Dr Chris Kirk, a former deputy vice chancellor of Lincoln University and founder of the 'Later-in-Life Innovators' Group in Christchurch, which also supports older people starting businesses.
The idea for the series came after the Council organised a mature workers event supported by MSD and Connected, which included advice and support from agencies and mentors including Dr Kirk. During those workshops there were repeated questions from attendees who were looking for ways to keep busy or supplement their income in retirement as well as those looking for new challenges or with hobbies that with a little support could become businesses, Council Community and Economic Development Advisor Kirstin Dingwall-Okoye says.
“He said, ‘I’ve never had so many people coming to me asking about this,' and I said, ‘Let’s put on a seminar’.”
The idea quickly developed into a four-week course, the first of its kind in Aotearoa, which was successful in receiving funding from the government’s Te Tari Kaumatua, Office for Seniors.
Held each Monday in May the series will cover the process of starting a new business, from the idea stage through launching a new business, as well as connecting participants with expert coaches, mentors and potential funding opportunities.