Entrepreneur 50+: AIDA CCI and CCDR Centro Promote Senior Entrepreneurship in the Centro Region
AIDA CCI, as a partner entity of CCDR Centro – the Coordination and Regional Development Commission of the Center –, is joining the promotion of the 2025 edition of the Entrepreneur 50+ initiative. This project aims to highlight, award, and disseminate success stories of entrepreneurs who started their first business activity at 50 years of age or older in the Centro Region.
In a context of demographic challenges, this initiative combats age-related stigma (ageism), promotes active ageing, and encourages the sharing of knowledge between generations.
Initiative Objectives
The Entrepreneur 50+ program aims to:
- Encourage new business and social projects by people with vast professional experience.
- Value stories of overcoming challenges that inspire others to become entrepreneurs.
- Raise awareness among policymakers about the role of senior entrepreneurship in the region’s sustainable development.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to entrepreneurs who:
- Started their first business activity at 50 or older.
- Develop their activity in the Centro Region.
- Are nominated by one of the partner entities, such as AIDA CCI.
- Promote sectoral diversity (projects from economic, social, or cultural areas are eligible).
Application Process and Deadlines
Applications are open until April 28, 2025, and must be submitted through the online form. The selection of finalists will be based on the criteria of the official regulation.
Recognition and Prizes
The winner will receive an award of €5,000, distributed as follows:
- €4,000 for an entity of their choice;
- €1,000 for the partner entity that nominated the candidate.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: inspiration and overcoming adversity, innovation, community impact, project sustainability, and contribution to the Centro Region’s Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3).
Contacts for Clarifications
For more information, you can contact:
- Cristina Martins – c.martins@aida.pt
- Susana Carvalho – s.carvalho@aida.pt
For more news on entrepreneurship initiatives, visit our news page.
