Got that grand billion-dollar idea, but don’t know how to start from scratch? Want to learn how to turn your business into a success story?
With their experience, keen judgment, and expertise, baby boomers are prime candidates to become consultants or starting their own businesses. A 2013 report from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, an organization that conducts research in entrepreneurship, found that 23.4 percent of all U.S. entrepreneurs in 2012 were adults 55 to 64, compared with 14.3 percent in 1996, the highest growth rate among all the other age cohorts.
The OU Job Board, along with Orthodox Union’s Department of Community Engagement, the Hebrew Free Loan Society and UJA-Federation of New York, present “Encore Entrepreneurs: Basic Business Training for Baby Boomers” through the Kauffman FastTrac Program to business owners seeking to learn how to make their commercial enterprises realize their goals. This program is for potential business owners over forty looking for the perfect way to start a business.
The course will run for 12 consecutive Wednesdays beginning December 3. All classes meet at UJA-Federation of New York at 130 East 59th Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for the initial introductory session, which will meet for one-and-a-half hours.
Says Michael Rosner, international director of the OU Job Board, “The Job Board is so confident that participants will be satisfied with these courses that we are including a free supplement class on QuickBooks (an accounting software program) as well.”
FastTrac is an entrepreneurial learning programs that provides programs that are written by entrepreneurs, facilitated by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. A number of FastTrac programs are offered for entrepreneurs at different stages of business development – aspiring entrepreneurs who have an idea for a new business and are just starting out or who have an existing business or a life-science/technology-based venture that are being positioned for growth.
The cost per person is $200 and includes FastTrac NewVenture entrepreneur manual, baby boomer content supplement workbook, and access to an abundance of online tools and templates.
This comprehensive and highly-interactive course is designed to provide guidance and support in a group-oriented environment. Program participants work with others to:
- Align their business concept with real market opportunities;
- Learn how to set realistic financial goals for their business;
- Determine the unique features and benefits of their products/services;
- Find their target market and clarify their competitive advantage;
- Determine steps to profitability;
- Identify potential sources of funding for their business;
- Learn about social media and e-commerce marketing;
- Find resources in their communities for ongoing business planning.
The course is taught by two skilled facilitators, both of whom are experienced entrepreneurs. Each session includes presentations from facilitators and break-out groups on exercises, assignments, and business plans. Guest speakers visit throughout the course, offering insights into starting and managing a business.
You are eligible for Encore Entrepreneurs if you…
- Are a baby boomer (born between 1946 and 1964);
- Have been economically impacted by the 2008 recession and its aftermath (unemployed/underemployed);
- Have a specific idea for a new business;
- Have access to a computer to complete assignments;
- Can commit to attending all sessions and completing all assignments;
- Are a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, or Long Island.
For more information and to apply, go to or call 212.687.0188.