Kickstart Your Business at 50+

Over the age of 50? Ready to become your own boss?

It's time to get your business idea off the ground!

Funded by

Conducted in partnership with

This program is currently only available to San Francisco residents / business owners. Contact us here for support options outside of San Francisco.

Overview

Whether you’re just starting out, turning a side hustle into a full-time business, or taking an existing company to new heights, this program will give you the self-confidence, business know-how, support system and tools you need to build a viable business from scratch.

Next start date: April 15th 2024 – Apply early to increase your chances to get in!
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Online program with several opportunities to meet your fellow cohort in person
Financial assistance: this program is available for free to all San Francisco residents over the age of 50 thanks to our partnership with the City of San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development.

Participants who complete the program receive a $300 minigrant and are eligible to apply for a grant ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 offered by the City of San Francisco’s Business Training Grant Program.

What you'll learn

Our curriculum structured in four sections is designed to give you exactly what you need to start a viable business – without all the noise of everything you don’t.

Business Viability

Customer Acquisition

Refine your business idea and create a one-page business plan

  • Learn from potential customers
  • Define your ideal customer, product/service offering and value proposition
  • Define your pricing strategy and revenue streams

Develop your sales & marketing plan to acquire customers

  • Build a compelling elevator pitch that creates interest
  • Learn to master sales calls and handle objections
  • Understand how to leverage different offline and online marketing channels

Entrepreneurial Fundamentals

Digital Skills

Develop a growth mindset and formalize your business

  • Build confidence and overcome your fears
  • Learn the basics of small business financial management
  • Learn about legal structures, licenses and permits 

Learn the essentials tools to efficiently run your business

  • Get paid online with Stripe and PayPal
  • Create attractive marketing assets with Canva
  • Promote your offering on social media
  • Create your first website

What to expect

This intensive, 10-week online program has been designed with busy individuals in mind. The workload is designed to be manageable with a full-time job but it does take commitment. You should expect to devote at least 12 hours per week going through the online material, completing your assignments, and attending the live sessions.

While every week is unique, here is what you can expect during a typical week:

Self-pace

Online Training Materials
Go through the online readings and videos for the week and learn about key concepts to start and grow your business.

Weekly Assignment
Complete this week's practical exercises that build toward the successful launch of your business. It's ok if it's not perfect. This is an iterative process!

Live Sessions - 10am to 12pm

Monday

Entrepreneurial Fundamentals
Meet with your cohort coach for an interactive group session that helps you develop self-confidence and talk through your challenges.

Tuesday

Tech Clinics
Get technically unstuck and learn new tricks to master the online tools you'll need to efficiently run your business.

Peer-to-peer Mentoring
Meet with your small group to effectively hold yourself accountable, leverage each other's experience, receive constructive feedback, and build deep connections.

Thursday

Industry Expert Coaching
Get weekly answers and personalized guidance on your best way forward by our seasoned instructors, and learn from the questions of your peers.

You're invited to apply if...

Meet Your Instructors

Vicki Soll

Cohort Coach

Eddie Tang

Eddie Tang

Small Business Expert

Alex Waters

Alex Waters

SMALL BUsiness expert

Kadidja Yansane

Kadidja Yansane

SMALL BUSINESS EXPERT

What Alumni are saying

“The biggest thing I got was the mindset shift. Starting out, I didn't think anybody would want to pay for what I do. But what I do is valuable. People need this service. I've had three paying clients.”
Stacey Horton
Stacey Horton
Founder, Pathsify
“These past 10 weeks have been really grounding. It’s helped me reiterate and keep evolving my business. I've sharpened the lens, gotten one big contract, and a couple of individuals with coaching.”
Carolyn Sideco
Founder, Coaching Kapwa
"Love it, so very much appreciate the time and attention from the instructors and my peers. Love the community you have enabled through this brilliant concept."
Christine Kantor
Founder, SDP Bridging Gaps
"I really appreciated the entrepreneur mindset that encouraged me to stay steadfast, and stay focused, and not give up. The support was thick, we could almost just grab it and feel it…I didn't feel alone."
Keith Anderson
Founder, Get It Quick Carpet Cleaning
“I loved the support from all the coaches as well as the cohort of similar age and similar aspiring people. It’s more simple and accessible to start and run a business than I had thought. Having a system helps to feel more prepared, rather than just jumping in and getting clients without that structure or support. "
Ryan Adams
Founder, Parenting Partners
“After two years of isolation in COVID, then suddenly, three times a week, there is a group of 20 people to share the same thing and stick with it… We kept each other together and that has been really great. The quality of all the instructors was outstanding. No one fell out so that says a lot!"
Anne Barbaret
Anne Barbaret
Founder, Anne B Yoga

Frequently Asked Questions

We review applications within two weeks of being submitted. Candidates who comply with all requirements are invited for a video call interview. We’ll select 20 participants on a rolling basing. Apply early to increase your chances to get in!

Nothing! This program is funded by the San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development. By completing all the assignments, you’ll receive a $300 minigrant.

You will need to use a laptop or desktop computer with reliable internet connection to access the online learning platform; you’ll also need a working webcam and microphone to attend the live sessions.

We can provide referral options to get you connected at low- or no-cost.

You’ll also have the option to attend the sessions and work from the Community Living Campaign space located at 1663 Mission Street.

The more time you’re able to put in, the better the results. We’ve structured the program so that you should be able to complete all activities within 12-15 hours per week. If you can’t commit to at least 12 hours per week for 10 weeks, this may not be the program for you.

Yes! If you are working with business partners, you can all participate in the program. Only one representative from your team should apply, but if selected you can easily invite your teammates to join your project.

Contact us at admissions@blissen.io or watch the recording of our information webinar

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