The Programmes
Our Programmes are designed, delivered,
coached by later-in-life entrepreneurs.
Our Startup@50+ Programmes
Do you have an idea for starting a business?
Questions that many over the age of 50 ask about starting businesses for the first time:
- Where do I even start?
- Is my idea worth pursuing?
- Should I bother at my stage of life?
- Could I turn my hobby into a new career?
- Can I ensure success?
- Can I get support to do this?
If you are thinking about whether your business idea is a realistic option for you, or if you have recently started a business, then our Programmes are designed for you.
To register interest in our programmes or make any further inquiries, please contact us as below.
Our Starting a Business at 50+ Programmes™
- Are designed specifically for over 50s getting into business for the first time.
- Take each participant’s own ‘idea’ right through to launching a new business.
- Empower participants through a practical, ‘learn by doing’ approach.
- Connect participants to expert coaches, mentors and funding opportunities.
- Introduce new tools & templates for the over 50s to build new successful ventures.
- Demystify entrepreneurship and debunks myths around retirement.
- Are based on research into the needs of those 50+ and their unique starting position.
Choose the best Programme delivery option for you.
You can access our Starting a Business over 50+ Programme™ to suit your availability and preferred learning style. We deliver in 3 modes:
- IN-PERSON, over 4 weeks, to small groups (10-20), in partnership with UCE1
- ONLINE format, over 8 weeks, in partnership with UC Online2
- BOOTCAMP style - two intensive weekends anywhere in NZ
Customised and Personalised
Univentures and its partners have created “customised” and “personalised” programmes.
They are customised by recognising:
- The unique starting position of “senior entrepreneurs” (50+ years old) in NZ.
- The key skills they needed to develop.
- And their preferred ways of learning.
The course and contents fabulous, tutors were understanding of my learning style and
supported me well.
They are “personalised” by incorporating exclusive one-to-one coaching sessions that relate to each participants starting idea.
The ultimate aim of the Programme is to transform each participant’s startup idea into a successful new business venture3.
1 UCE is the University of Canterbury’s Centre for Entrepreneurship
2 UCO is the University of Canterbury Online unit
3 Or discover that the original idea has a fatal flaw without using too much energy, time or money
Participants bring their own startup idea along with their commitment, passion, and best endeavours. This process we have developed has three distinct phases.
Stage 1
Our pre-course interview and checklist ensure participant’s understand the rewards and challenges of starting a new business venture for the first time.
Stage 2
Our interactive Workshops and Coaching Sessions then guide the participant to take their starting idea through to a validated business model. Each Module requires around 16 hours.
Stage 3
Our post-course recommendation involves working with a local mentor (via Business Mentors NZ) to assist with completing your preparations to launch your new venture – and potentially to also assist during the initial months of operating your business.
Delivery of our Programmes
The detail of how each of our Programmes is delivered depends on the setting being used: delivery ONLINE is very different than it is with an IN-PERSON group setting which is different again from a BOOTCAMP situation. What is vital to all our Programmes is that our Univentures toolkit is presented in the most appropriate way and that our 1-to-1 coaching is tailored to fit the setting.
The programme was excellent. I learnt a lot and it provided me tools and processes for the future. I’m grateful for being able to participate.