How Can I Start a Business That Will Help Seniors?
People age 60 and older comprise a large and growing segment of the American population. They need a wide variety of goods and services, and that provides many business opportunities for entrepreneurs. If you are interested in starting a business, you might want to explore opportunities that would enable you to take advantage of your skills and experience while meeting the needs of elderly clients. For example, you might provide a non-emergency transportation service, or a service to pick up groceries, or a service to train people how to better use computers, or a Web-based dating service for seniors.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify what it is that you are good at. If you are computer savvy, you want to start a business teaching seniors how to use Microsoft Excel, how to set up email or how to safely shop online. If you are good at planning events, consider becoming an event planner or starting a club in which a seniors' community center pays you to create activities or events such as bowling or dancing. If you enjoy fitness, consider starting a yoga or pilates class for senior citizens.
-
2
Research the market to see how your skills can fit with a demand. Use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other government agencies to learn as much as you can about the number of elderly people living in your area and about the types of housing they inhabit. Also, evaluate your potential competition as you work to find an arena in which you can fill a void. For example, if you are considering offering computer lessons, contact local libraries and community centers to see whether they offer anything similar. If you are interested in a concierge service, determine whether any others exist. Competition isn't a bad thing; in fact, it may be a sign that a particular industry is booming.
-
-
3
Learn the regulations and licensing requirements for your services. With any job, you'll need to invest in some liability insurance. However, with a transport or concierge business, you'll also need commercial auto coverage. If you want to start a fitness class or program, you will need to get a group instructor certification, as well as undergo first aid and CPR training. No matter what business you undertake, it's good to obtain a business license from your county clerk. Also, you may need to collect sales tax, which would require that you hold a sales tax permit.
-
4
Evaluate the business expenses and determine whether the cost is something you can and want to afford. Starting and operating a computer training business would be less expensive than running a transport company, which would require you to own a wheelchair-accessible van. No matter what business you choose, you will have some basic expenses, including office supplies, a cell phone, a computer and its accessories, and an accounting software program.
-
5
Develop marketing materials for your business, such as business cards, brochures and fliers. Then contact assisted living facilities, churches, organizations for seniors, community centers, nursing homes and libraries.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit senior hiker image by Pierrette Guertin from Fotolia.com
