“Senior Enterprise” proposal: enhancement, inclusion of further partners and preparation of re-submission under the next call in Interreg IV-B NWE

Progress is well underway to enable SEN@ER partner regions, together with other suitable partners from outside the network, to submit a greatly strengthened application in relation to Senior Enterprise for the next call of Interreg IV-B NWE which will close 17 April next.

The original application was well received as its objectives and approach addressed the economic and social imperatives of the demographic challenge posed by an aging population. The partners, however, have been asked to further strengthening the application by addressing specific issues before it is resubmitted.

It is intended that the initiative will be designed and developed in the second half of 2009, implemented through a variety of initiatives over the next three years, before being evaluated in the first half of 2013. At that time the intention is to have the initiative fully tested, ready for transfer to other regions and poised to attract further funding.

Contact: John Byrne
Tel.: 0035340466058
Email: mera@eircom.net

The objective of the initiative remains the same - to increase the proportion of older people engaging with enterprise through a variety of means suitable to their skills, means and risk profile. The revised proposal is being coordinated by the Mid-East region Ireland and may include up to 11 partners from across 5 countries in the North West area of Europe. The resubmitted application will contain a much more detailed budget, and will include new partners whose expertise and knowledge in the area of entrepreneurship and engagement with enterprise in the older age groups will greatly improve the opportunity for transnational learning.

The Work Packages have been increased from three to four and each will now have champions in the form of Thematic Leaders, drawing on the expertise and experience already existing among the partners:

• Work Package 1: Senior Enterprise - Mid East Region, Ireland
• Work Package 2: Starting and Partnering - North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
• Work Package 3: Acquiring and Investing - North West Development Agency, UK
• Work Package 4: Advising and Supporting Innovation - PRIME, UK