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!
- Grow self-confidence
- Learn by taking action
- Receive personalized expert guidance
- Develop a support network
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: January 27th 2025 – 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.
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...
- You are a San Francisco resident over the age of 50;
- You have a good idea of the services or products you would like to provide and need help putting that idea into action;
- You can devote 12 hours per week going through the online material, completing your assignments, and attending the live sessions.
Meet Your Instructors
Vicki Soll
Cohort Coach
Eddie Tang
Small Business Expert
Alex Waters
SMALL BUsiness expert
Gwendolyn Wright
SMALL BUSINESS EXPERT
What Alumni are saying
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
