Paul McGinn, senior manager of small business entrepreneurship development for CEED, and the program facilitator, says the pilot filled up with the maximum number of 10 qualified over-50s, from those just beginning to work on their business idea to those who are already seeing significant success as entrepreneurs, and are looking to increase their chances of long-term success. McGinn says entrepreneurs over 50 have a higher success rate than their younger counterparts, in part because they know themselves and have the experience and often financial and time resources to focus on their goals.
The connections made in Above the Median will continue. A post-program one-to-one mentorship program started its roll-out in early December, offered in partnership between CEED and BoomersPlus. And the CEC has arranged for program graduates to continue to meet monthly at the centre to support one another, share and brainstorm.
For more information on future programs at the CEC, visit the Centre’s website at smbcec.org
For details about programs and services offered by CEED, go to ceed.ca