About the programme
Whether you're approaching retirement, considering self-employment, exploring a new chapter after redundancy, or ready to turn a lifetime of experience into a business idea, RGU Encore Enterprise Programme is designed for you.
A supportive six-week programme helping people aged 50+ build confidence, explore business opportunities, and take practical steps towards entrepreneurship. Developed by Robert Gordon University, the programme combines expert guidance, flexible learning, and valuable peer connections.
Why Encore Enterprise?
You've built valuable skills, talents, insights and experience throughout your life and career. Encore Enterprise helps you explore how those strengths can be applied in new and exciting ways.
Through a blend of workshops, self-paced learning and collaborative activities, you'll have the opportunity to, you'll gain:
- Greater clarity around your business ideas
- Practical tools to assess opportunities
- Knowledge of marketing, finance and business operations
- Access to expert guidance and peer support
- A personalised action plan for your next steps
A Unique Intergenerational Experience
As part of the programme, participants can take part in a special collaboration with young entrepreneurs from Robert Gordon University. These sessions encourage:
- Knowledge exchange
- Mentoring and reverse mentoring
- Digital skills development
- Cross-generational networking
- New perspectives and collaborative thinking
Funding
The programme is fully-funded by The Scottish Government Pathways Ecosystem Fund, so there's no cost to attendees.
Who is the programme for?
If you are interested in applying for the competition, you should:
- Be aged 50 years or over
- Live in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire
- Have an interest in exploring self-employment, entrepreneurship or starting a business.
- Be able to commit to participating in the seven-week programme, including weekly workshops and self-paced online learning activities
- Have access to the internet and a device capable of accessing online learning resources and virtual sessions.
No previous business experience is required. Whether you have a fully developed business idea or are simply curious about the possibilities of entrepreneurship, you are welcome to apply.
Places are limited and applications will be assessed to ensure the programme reaches those who will benefit most from participating.
What's involved
Delivered over 7 weeks, Encore Enterprise combines live weekly workshops with a self-paced online course, giving participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace while gaining practical entrepreneurial knowledge, support and confidence.
Week 1: Motivation, Purpose & Experience
Monday 31 August 2026
Discover how your life experience, skills and interests can create entrepreneurial opportunities.
Week 2: Business Ideas & Customer Understanding
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Identify market needs, shape your business concept and understand your potential customers.
Week 3: Resources, Marketing & Visibility
Monday 14 September 2026
Learn about key business resources, branding, marketing and how AI can support small businesses.
Thinking Week
Week commencing 21 September 2026
There is no workshop this week, so take this opportunity to pause, reflect, conduct research and test your assumptions.
Week 4: Financial Planning & Pricing
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Explore pricing models, budgeting and financial sustainability.
Week 5: Business Structure & Practicalities
Monday 5 October 2026
Understand legal structures, taxation, National Insurance and pension considerations.
Week 6: Launch Planning & Funding
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Create a practical action plan and discover support, funding and next-step opportunities.
Want to know more?
Join our introductory webinar on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 13:00 to learn more about the Encore Enterprise programme, what you'll gain from taking part, and how the application process works. During the session, we'll provide an overview of the programme, outline the weekly content, and answer any questions you may have.
Can't attend live? No problem. Everyone who registers will receive a recording of the webinar, so you can watch it at a time that suits you.
Register your interest today and discover how your experience could become your next venture.
Sign up for the Encore Enterprise webinar
Apply now
Applications for the programme are open - Apply now:
Apply for the Encore Enterprise Programme
Contact us
Have a question? Contact programme manager: