What is the “Kickstart Your Business @ 50+” program about?

SF Tech Council and private sector partner Blissen have received a grant from San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development to pilot a series of 10-week online programs to guide aspiring older adult entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of bringing their business ideas to life. The Pilot supports OEWD’s interest in funding economic recovery pilots that address existing employment inequities and help those who have not had employment or economic success in the labor market.

Blissen, an early-stage San Francisco startup founded by Solene Oudet, rolled out its first beta bootcamp in 2020. Prior to its launch, interviews with more than 100 stakeholders confirmed that the key barriers for older adults who want to start a business include: self-doubt and fear of failure; lack of entrepreneurial know-how; limited digital skills and knowledge of how to leverage new technology in business; and lack of a supportive community and support system.

Key program components include:

• a cohort-based approach where participants develop meaningful relationships and learn from the experience of peers;

• hands-on experience via a "learn-by-doing methodology" that involves practical and useful assignments;

• expert guidance through live sessions led by industry experts to get answers to their questions as well as receive personalized advice;

• entrepreneurial mindset sessions to overcome mental blocks and develop confidence as budding entrepreneurs;

• and tech clinics to get up to speed on the best online tools to manage a business efficiently, and to receive assistance from a technology trainer.

The next cohort will begin on February 27, 2023.