Help aspiring entrepreneurs realize their potential

For the second year, AARP Foundation is launching the Work for Yourself@50+ Incubator Program, to help older adults with low income launch and develop successful businesses. With your help, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Help aspiring entrepreneurs realize their potential

What is the Work for Yourself@50+ Incubator Program 2022?

More than 37 million adults over 50 are at risk of not having enough income to meet their basic needs. For many older adults, self-employment offers a pathway to financial stability. This program’s mission is to support them to launch their businesses by empowering, educating and accompanying them throughout the process to ultimately increase their financial stability.

That’s why, in 2016, AARP Foundation launched Work for Yourself@50+ — a program that introduces self-employment to older adults who struggle with low income and connects them to local economic development organizations for support.

By collaborating with Bridge for Billions for the second year running, AARP Foundation is thrilled to provide underserved entrepreneurial populations with more hands-on support so they can successfully launch businesses. Through an online platform and virtual mentorship and coaching sessions, this 5-month incubation program will help the selected entrepreneurs to develop a business plan and executive summary, learn about how to get investment ready, practice their pitch, and potentially access funding for launching and growing their business.

As a volunteer mentor, you’ll provide your entrepreneur with one-to-one support, and give them the confidence and support they need to start building their business.

Why participate?

Make an Impact

Harness your expertise to support older adults realize their entrepreneurship potential, building economic opportunities, and establishing successful ventures.

Develop your Skills

Learn about the latest entrepreneurship methodologies and develop your leadership and coaching skills while being part of a venture's growth and development.

Connect with your Passion

Together we can create a more inclusive and efficient society. Support and guide an entrepreneur working on a solution that really interests and moves you.

Learn-by-doing Approach

Bridge for Billions' methodology offers a learn-by-doing approach inspired by MIT. The platform's 8 business modules will support you throughout your mentorship so you always know what comes next.

Expand your Network

Connect with the rest of the program participants during the different program sessions. Moreover, you will also be invited to join a global network of +1,800 professionals who share your interests.

Anytime, Anywhere

Thanks to Bridge for Billions' online platform you will be able to review your mentee's work from wherever you want at any time. Feel free to adapt this program to your lifestyle and any other commitments you might have.

You’re invited to mentor if…

You are eager to mentor older adults in low income situations as they work on and validate their business plans.
You have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience (demonstrated experience in social entrepreneurship, non-profits, business, and innovation are a plus).
You are familiar with (or passionate about) older entrepreneurs and their specific challenges and opportunities and are willing to give your mentee the confidence and support they might need.
You can dedicate approximately 2 hours per week over 5 months (this includes the time you will need to dedicate to meet with your mentee, review their work on the platform, and attend the different online sessions).
You have a reliable internet connection and a computer/laptop that you can use regularly.
You have native-level English skills (based in the US, the Americas, or Europe).

The methodology

Entrepreneurship is a chaotic process by nature. That’s why Bridge for Billions’ methodology is based on a structured and hands-on learning approach. Our incubation program helps entrepreneurs develop a business plan from scratch while being surrounded by an international community with other founders, fellow mentors, and an incubation team.

Our incubation platform and our eight online business modules will help you during your mentorship journey, making it easier for you to know what’s next. By the end of the program, the entrepreneurs will be confident that they are building a viable and validated business.

Last year's mentors impact and development

would like to mentor again

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developed their leadership skills

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would recommend this experience

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"It was is a rewarding experience for both you and the mentee. I have learned so much about myself throughout this program but best of all, I was able to support someone throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This opportunity made me a better, wiser and more confident coach and for that I am grateful and indebted to Work for Yourself @50+. Thank you for the opportunity!”

“It was such a great experience to work as a mentor for the Work for Yourself @50+ program. To see the impact made in the lives of our mentees is priceless. From the support of the team to meeting like-minded individuals, the experience is invaluable. I highly recommend anyone looking to give back and transform the lives of emerging entrepreneurs to become a mentor.”

The deadline to apply is in…

Days

Hours

Minutes

Thursday, January 19th, 2023

We’re accepting the second batch of participants now!

And now… What?

Deadline: January 19th EOD

Mentor Applications

Submit your application to be a mentor for the Work for Yourself@50+ 2022 Incubator Program! We're now accepting the second batch of participants. Don't miss out!

Apply now >

If you have further questions regarding this program we have hosted info sessions for you to know any additional details and solve your questions. You can watch the recording by clicking the link above.

January 20th

Mentors Selection

AARP Foundation and Bridge for Billions will review all the applications and select 50 mentors to participate.

Week of January, 23rd

Onboarding Session

Once selected, Bridge for Billions will host an onboarding session where, as a selected mentor, you will get all the details you need for a great mentorship: getting to know Bridge for Billions' online incubation platform, the methodology, tips for your mentoring sessions, and much more!

From the last week of January onwards

Mentor and Entrepreneur Match

You will take part in our matching process! You will have the opportunity to meet online with the participant entrepreneurs. Once you have met several of them, both you and them will submit your rankings in order to let us know who you want to work with.

Based on the rankings, we will make the best mentor-mentee pairs and, afterwards, the entrepreneur and mentor pairs will be formalized.

From January to May 10th 2023

The Incubation Program begins!

You will work weekly with your mentee in one-on-one mentoring sessions to review their work on the 8 business modules on the platform.
You will guide them while they cover the most important parts of their business (from refining the value proposition to generating a clear growth plan).
You will meet the other mentors in our monthly sessions, so you can share learnings, challenges, and network.

First week of May 2023

Closing Session

As a mentor participant, you will attend a closing session where we will cover the whole program journey and reflect on the experience.

Ready to start?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required commitment?

Mentor applicants should show a passion for helping aspiring entrepreneurs and should be ready to commit to ensuring quality mentorship and a productive business relationship. Once paired with an entrepreneur, you’ll commit to meeting 60-90 minutes per week for 3½ months.

How would it be like mentoring an older entrepreneur?

For this program, we are looking for mentors who are familiar with or passionate about supporting senior entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurship journey.
As a mentor of this group, you will not only support your mentee from a business standpoint. You might also need to support them if they encounter any technical difficulties.

As their mentor, you should make sure they are comfortable using different online platforms that will be key for communicating and their advancement (such as email, Zoom, etc.), and covering any other specific needs they might have.

How will I work and communicate with my entrepreneurs?

As a mentor, you will work with your entrepreneurs on the platform. You’ll be able to mark up their business plans using text-based comments and will have access to video chats within the platform so you can talk to them.

How do I apply?

Start your application process by creating a Mentor Account HERE.

What technology will I need for the program?

You will need to be able to use a laptop or desktop computer (not tablet or smartphone) and preferably one of these browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox. We expect you to have a strong, reliable internet connection both for your online work on the platform and to participate in the mentors calls via video conference.

What will be my role as a mentor?

As a mentor, you’ll have a positive impact on someone’s life. You’ll meet and connect with entrepreneurs and develop your mentoring skills, exposing yourself to the latest innovation and entrepreneurship methodologies while helping a startup business grow.

You will guide your entrepreneurs throughout the Work for Yourself@50+ Incubation Program using the online modules as your guide. You’ll help your mentee validate their strategies throughout the program and support them through virtual collaboration once a week, on the platform and over video chat.