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PEOPLE Subproject Info: Silver Academy

THE SILVER ACADEMY NETWORK
 

"Unbeatable opportunity to network with 100 people in the same stage of life and business as me."

"Far more on the ball than previous courses I have attended."

"Cannot wait for the next session."
"Whole six months has been really motivating and continues to be."

Comments from Silver Academy Delegates
Project aims
 

The aim of Silver Academy is to support the development of the local SME sector by providing a real enterprising alternative for the over 50s; developing new business models suitable to this sector; harnessing the direct experiences of local businesses; addressing over 50s unemployment and developing new levels of engagement between Universities and business networks for the benefit of the over 50s.

 

The aim is not to replicate programmes which adequately target this important group but rather create new levels of motivation through business mentoring, peer-to-peer mentoring and networking and directing individuals to the range of first class services and support materials available but which are failing to reach this important group.
 
The Academy proposes a programme of cutting edge research complimented by two pilot programmes of direct intervention (one in South East England and one in Malopolska regaion of Poland). A combination of empirical and desk top research will question personal development after the age of 65 in professional fields and as consumers of services; and analyse the situation in the labour market for the 50+ age group, mapping and evaluating policies for this group.
 
 
Comments from the Silver Academy Team:
 

“Rather than training the participants on how to start their own businesses, we have given them the opportunity to be entrepreneurial about their learning by encouraging them to identify and source for themselves the knowledge, skills and personal growth they need to succeed and to work together to achieve this”

Len Goss, Lead Developer
 
"In the Silver Academy we actively encourage all members to develop their networking skills to benefit from effective mentoring, business support and market opportunities. Through the powerful blend of the fellow Silver Academy members, the programme partner organisations and the Chambers of Commerce participants actively develop enterprising mindsets and come together to shape and build on their ambitions."

Ross McNally, Director, South East Chambers of Commerce  

“The Silver Academy is a unique opportunity for free, expert support for the over-50s in setting up and succeeding in running their own business. Silver Academy is helping this under-represented group to bring their valuable expertise and experience into the business world, motivate them to achieve their goals and develop new businesses.”

Emma Dewhirst, Silver Academy Project Officer
Activities
 

The Final UK Workshop will be held on Tuesday 10th May 2011 in Guildford
 
News section
 
!! More information will soon be available regarding the opportunity for one Silver Academy Delegate to attend the final project Conference in Stockholm in September 2011 in order to share their success story !!
 
!!We now have 80 members on our LinkedIn Group: Silver Academy Network. If you would like to join up go to: LinkedIn.com to set up your account!!
 
!! First Polish Workshops have been a great success !!
Events
Silver Academy workshops for 100 participants will be held in Guildford, Surrey, UK on the following dates:
  • Tue 9th November 2010
  • Tue 30th November 2010
  • Wed 12th January 2011
  • Wed 9th February 2011
  • Tue 8th March 2011
  • Wed 6th April 2011
  • Tues 10th May 2011
The Silver Academy Sales Club is also meeting on the last Saturday of every month at the University of Surrey.
 
Silver Academy Delegates have set up a Marketing on the WWW group who are running additional events.
 
Workshops will also be taking place in Krakow, Poland. The first Workshop in Poland will be on Thursday 24th March.
 
The next Project Partners Telephone Conference will be on 24th May 2011.