Forum coming for late-start entrepreneurs

STARTING a Business Later in Life – Mature Entrepreneurs Event is set for Friday at the Ballarat Tech School.

The government-funded forum will feature keynote speaker Professor Alex Maritz from the La Trobe Business School and other experts on entrepreneurship and business-running later in life.

“We want to inspire and encourage [people over 45 years old]. If you get the right advice and help, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go,” said Dr Paul Miller, from Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs.

“Senior entrepreneurs are generally more successful than their younger counterparts. They’ve got a lot of life experience, the networks, usually a bit of money behind them, and the skills.”

Dr Miller has been told by a retiree that “there are only so many coffees you can drink, and only so many games of golf you can play.”

“It’s a lifestyle option, you spend all your life working, and now it’s time to reset the balance between life and work. It can be good fun,” he said.

However, there are “obstacles like self-belief, fear and financial risk” that can be discouraging, he said.

“We wanted to take a holistic approach to it because it’s not just about starting a business, this is about the person and where they are in life.

“They can get excited about the future.”

Entry is free, and will be held on Friday 4, October, from 8.15am to 1pm at the Ballarat Tech School. Book your spot at matureentrepreneurs.com.au.