Nationwide search is on for 'mature entrepreneurs'

ISAX chief executive Anne Connolly; Jean Condron, owner of Hats by Jean, Terenure, Dublin; and David Merriman, the head of enterprise development at Bank of Ireland, launch the programme yesterday. Photo: Conor McCabe

Gavin McLoughlin

The DCU Ryan Academy and Local Enterprise Offices are teaming up for a new programme aimed at entrepreneurs aged 55 and over. The Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange (ISAX) is behind the scheme. ISAX chief executive Anne Connolly said there is an "increasing number of healthy mature people with the skills, financial resources and time available to contribute to economic activity".

Participants can either take part in a 'Start Your Own Business Programme' which involves developing a business idea and culminates with a pitch to potential investors, or a DCU high-potential startup accelerator designed for entrepreneurs seeking to develop their skills, experience and ambition.

Ms Connolly said the Bank of Ireland-sponsored programme, called Ingenuity, aims to counter the perception that entrepreneurship is associated with younger people. "Older entrepreneurs generally possess more developed networks, industry experience and stronger financial security compared with their younger counterparts," she said.

"The programme has been specifically tailored to meet their specific needs, building on the advantages they bring, whilst also addressing the challenges they face."