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As C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

GetSetUp’s mission is to empower the community through learning new skills and unlocking new experiences. Reflecting on 2021, your accomplishments and passion for lifelong learning inspired us to do something new. 

Today, we’re excited to announce the “Startup Accelerator Program''. We want to help you take your skills and ideas to the next level and build the business you’ve always dreamed of.  

It does not matter whether you are just starting, have already established a business, or have nothing but an idea written down in your diary! If you are passionate about your vision and sharing it with others, we are looking for you. 

For our first cohort in 2022, we are accepting applicants in four categories:

• Food and food-related businesses 
• Training and coaching ideas 
• Apparel and accessories business ideas ( like starting an online store ) 
• Arts and crafts 
  

Program details 

Duration: 12 weeks

Location: Online program 

Application fee: This program is available for free to all GetSetUp current and future members.

Why is GetSetUp supporting our community members' small businesses?

For growing numbers of older adults, the best path toward finding meaning and money in the second half of life is by embracing entrepreneurship. We want to support our community members who wish to become entrepreneurs. We already teach many classes that help members with different aspects of running a business, like marketing, social media, technology classes, and financial planning. 

Who should join the program?

You should join the program if you are:

• Passionate to start, grow, or scale your current business 
• Interested in making a difference in your local communities with a product or service 
• Interested in converting your hobby into a source of income

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone with a business idea in food, arts and crafts, apparel and accessories, or coaching categories can apply. To be eligible, you must: 

• Be over the age of 55.
• Show that you are a resident of the country you are based in. 
• Have a business idea or plan 
• Members of the GetSetUp community. If you are not currently, you can join our community today
• You can devote 10 hours per week going through the online material, completing your assignments, and attending the live sessions

What stage of business ideas will be selected?

• You have a good idea of the services or products you would like to provide and need help to put that idea into action.
• You know your domain of business or want to build your core product or service eg.: If your idea is to sell hats online, then you should know how to make hats. 
• You can commit to working with our team to launch your business. We will specify the time commitment once you get selected. 

How can I apply?

Fill out the application form online, including the following information:

• Tell us about your business or business idea.
• Tell us what help you require to get started or grow your business. 

What is the selection process?

The process will be as follows:

• You complete a short three minute application. 
• You will receive an email after submission and then your entry will be under review.
• Candidates who comply with all requirements are invited for a video call interview. 
• We’ll select 20 participants for the program.
• You will participate in a demo day to present your final business or service to a team of three experts.
• Two business ideas will be selected for financial support at the end of the program. 
• All participants will receive free coaching and support during the duration of the program.

It’s vital to submit all of your information on time and attend the interview to get to the next stage.

Can both my business partner and I apply?

Yes, both of you can apply for the business. You will have to be a part of the program together, so please submit just one application. 

What kind of support will I receive on being selected?

• We will provide you with a plan of business classes, coaching, marketing, and business guidance.
• You get a chance to work with a mentor and build your networks for guidance and support.
• Access to an online peer community who can give you feedback on your business
• Receive up to $10,000 in project funding based on hitting certain business milestones
• Career-building tools, marketing, and networking opportunities
• Ongoing support for one year to help your business
  

What technology will I need for the program?

You will need to use a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection to access the online learning platform; you’ll also need a working webcam and microphone to attend the live sessions.

What is the time commitment to the program?

We recommend 10-12 hours per week. 

If you can’t commit to at least 10 hours per week for 12 weeks, this may not be the program for you.

My business idea does not fit into the categories mentioned above. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can always apply. However, the first priority will be to businesses in the four categories.  

Do I continue to receive help even after the program is over?

After the program, we will continue to provide you mentorship and help promote your business through a period of one year. 

What if my business idea is not selected?

You can still learn more about entrepreneurship and starting your own small business through our series of classes focused on these startup skills. For applicants who are also interested in exploring more in these areas, they can: 

• Be a part of our entrepreneurial series with weekly classes across different topics
• Join the twenty selected business ideas and follow their journey and progress in classes and Office Hours
• Receive weekly business tips

Can I reapply if my business idea is not selected?

Yes, depending on the success of our first program, we will be rerunning this campaign and will accept new applications in the summer. 

Applications for this program are now closed.

If you are interested in applying for our next cohort, please click below to apply and we will update you soon once applications reopen.