Starting a business after 50
Increasing numbers of people aged 50 and over are starting businesses for the first time. Over the last 100 years, the average life expectancy in Aotearoa New Zealand has increased by 29 years. Today, a person in their early 50s may only be two-thirds of the way through their anticipated life span. So as they age, they're asking, 'How do I want to spend the later third of my life?'
Watch this video for an overview of the findings and insights from our research with older entrepreneurs.
Scroll down this page to find the complete reports with recommendations, as well as a self-assessment tool and information sheets for people thinking about starting a business.
There is a lot to think about when starting a business. This self-assessment tool has been designed to help you think about what is involved and suggest areas you may need to consider or review if there are things you haven't thought of for your business.
An Unrealised Opportunity Research Report.pdfSenior Entrepreneurs
Senior entrepreneurship represents an unrealised opportunity of an ageing workforce. We report an action plan to foster entrepreneurial activity in later life.
Starting a Business Later in Life.pdfStarting a business in later life
A condensed report of findings and recommendations from our research into senior entrepreneurship in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Final Kaumātua entrepreneurship.pdfKaumātua Entrepreneurs
Māori entrepreneurs tackle challenges and benefit from connection to culture when starting businesses after 50.
Information sheets
#1 Ten Common Myths.pdfTen Common Myths
#2 Why Start a Business.pdfWhy Start a Business in Later Life?
#3 Age Discrimination.pdfAge Discrimination
#4 Creating a Business Plan.pdfCreating a Business Plan
#5 Creating a Life Stage Plan.pdfCreating a Life Stage Plan
#6 Business Mentor.pdfBusiness Mentor
#7 Creating a Pitch.pdfCreating a Pitch
#8 Jargon.pdfJargon