The Startup@AnyAge project ran over the past 18 months, aiming to support older people to be confident at using their passion, purpose and life skills to engage in entrepreneurial activity. The research team from UniSA Business has analysed data collected via surveys, focus groups and workshops. They are excited to share some of their findings.

A community survey of people’s views on new ventures later in life showed the Unley community positively supports older people to follow their business ventures at any age. Focus group participants also expressed this age friendly attitude undeterred by age norms and showed commitment to following their venture ideas. They expressed optimism about the future.

A diverse group of men and women aged from 50 to 70 attended the workshops. The researchers identified three distinct types of venture ideas in the workshops. The first was ‘prototype’ ideas that were well formed and ready to go with the help of a few specific skills or resources. With clear aims to create a financially sustainable venture, the individuals with these ideas were assisted to identify their specific business needs (e.g. social media marketing, costing of products) and connected to external resources that could take their businesses forward.

The second group of ideas came from individuals who were ‘community voices’, bringing up ideas that reflect community needs. Often, these were big ideas that required largescale solutions. ‘Community voices’ ideas bring valuable information about community issues to the City of Unley, which can connect these ideas to those interested in turning them into reality.

Lastly, the researchers identified ‘social connector’ ideas, from individuals not motivated by financial profit but by the opportunity to contribute and connect with others. These ideas build and support relationships and identify a chance for the City of Unley to provide space and resources for skills exchange and connect young people interested in social enterprise with those over 50.

Whilst the Startup@AnyAge workshops have now finished, it is never too late to follow your dream. Find out more about available resources and watch a short film that highlights some of the individuals involved at the City of Unley Startup@AnyAge website or contact the City of Unley Active Ageing contact, Chelsea Spangler on phone 8372 5111 or email pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au.

Startup@AnyAge project is supported by an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well, SA Health.