APPLYING FOR SI 4: DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE Support for enterprise creation or other forms of entrepreneurial activity among older people The objective of Senior Enterprise is an increase in the economic contribution of older people to their local communities through a variety of means: starting new businesses alone or with others. investing in or acquiring businesses started by others. or by advising or supporting innovation in SMEs. This project’s ambition reflects a refreshingly positive approach which sees people aged 50+ as a resource to be empowered rather than as a burden Through an orchestrated awareness campaign. the strategic impact of this initiative will be wider than the number of persons directly engaged and will go beyond the locality. At the end of the pilot. the fully tested initiative will be ready to attract further funding. as the best practice model will be transferable and will be of interest to policy makers responsible for enterprise and demographic change The current economic downturn sees pressure on employment and pensions for older people. Entrepreneurship and engagement with enterprise provides a means for these individuals to continue to be gainfully employed while providing a range of other economic and personal benefits. The initiative will develop and test. in a number of transnational contexts. suitable means of tapping into the knowledge. skills and resource base that exist among older age groups (50+) in order to increase the number of new enterprises being started and as a means of strengthening new and existing SMEs. The activity directly links to the Lisbon and Gothenberg agendas and is expected to have long term impact. As a result of the initiative. older citizens will be encouraged to remain active. contribute to the development of vibrant communities and engage across the generations. A real contribution will be made to strengthening growth. competitiveness and innovation across the NWE area.