Free course available to encourage new local businesses and start-ups
Helen Smith - Made of Moxie
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Acton residents over 50 with a business idea are being urged to apply for a free course which could launch a new career.
Recent ONS data has shown employment among the 25-49s is now back at the rate it was at the start of the pandemic, whereas the employment rate among 50-64s has fallen by 1.3 percentage points.
Since the start of the pandemic many people have had to change their working patterns, some losing employment, others pivoting.
In March 2020, Helen Smith was 25 years into a career in online media working as a freelance user researcher. When a 6-month contract suddenly evaporated, she found herself with time on her hands and made the decision to reignite her passion for textile design and clothing, for which she had originally trained. Discovering a book of vintage hat design from the 1940s sparked renewed interest and she launched Made of Moxie, which produces modern versions of vintage designs. She had embarked on The Startup School for Seniors course - an 8-week programme facilitated by entrepreneurs, Suzanne Noble (aged 60), and Mark Elliott (aged 57).
The course comprises over 25 hours of video lessons, worksheets and a weekly exploration and collaboration calls designed to encourage participants to articulate their business ideas in a safe and welcoming space.
Helen says: '' I have found the Senior Startup School to be really beneficial. Even though I have run businesses in the past, I have learned something new in every session, especially about business structures and marketing. Despite being delivered over Zoom I was impressed with how Suzanne and Mark managed to create a genuine sense of community. Their knowledge and guidance was clear and always supportive.”
Max Wallace Health Defence
Max Wallace started his company, Health Defence, in March 2020 after seeing the need for an affordable fitness programme for the community. He received support from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, and has been offered a railway arch from which to deliver his training.
He was also very grateful to be on the previous cohort of the Startup school and said: '' I just want to say a Big Thank You for all your help and advice during the eight weeks of the course. It not only helped me with my company, it helped me build my confidence back and in turn get my life back on track.”
The next cohort for the Startup School which has been supported by Ealing Council, will be starting this week (27 May).
Find out more at www.startupschoolforseniors.com and use promo code londonspring2021 to apply for the freecourse which is designed to help over 50s to become their own boss and create a business – of any size and scale.
Annemarie Flanagan
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25 May 2021
