Starting a Business at Age 45 or Older

If you are age 45 or older, have been laid off of your job, and are interested in going into business for yourself, we can help.

Through our Project GATE II (Growing America Through Entrepreneurship) program, our consultants can train you in the fundamentals of starting and managing your own small business, evaluate the potential of your proposed business, guide you through the steps of business planning, and help put you on the path to success.

Eligibility and Where to Apply for Project GATE II
To be eligible you must have lost your job through no fault of your own, be age 45 or older, and be eligible for the federal Dislocated Worker Program.

Apply for the program at any local WorkForce Center statewide. Click here to find a WorkForce Center location near you.

Program Details
Project GATE II is offered at no charge to eligible applicants. Participants go through a five-stage process that includes:

Pre-Assessment and Orientation. We determine eligibility and give you basic information on the program.
Business Readiness Assessment. We make a more in-depth assessment of your background and potential for self-employment.
Business Consulting. A consultant with our network of Small Business Development Centers will advise you prior to and during your business launch., addressing key business startup issues.
Classroom Training. We have certified vendors around the state who deliver classes and consultation.
Financial Assistance. The program offers no financial assistance. It does, however, have partnerships with organizations that help finance new ventures.

Project GATE II services are offered through local Workforce Centers and our statewide network of Small Business Development Centers.

Think you might be interested? Download How Ready Am I to Start a Business?, a pre-assessment designed to help you decide whether starting a business is right for you. Next, talk to a Dislocated Worker counselor at your local WorkForce Center.

As you progress through the activities of the program, complete this Entrepreneur Readiness Profile before meeting with a Small Business Development Center consultant.

Attend an Orientation Session
You are welcome to attend any of our Project GATE orientation sessions held at several locations statewide. The orientation provides information about what it takes to launch a business in Minnesota as well as preliminary information about Project GATE II.

Register online to attend an orientation session on Project GATE II through our Small Business Development Centers training events calendar. Type the word "Growing" in the keyword search box for a complete list of upcoming dates, times and locations and to register for the event.

Watch a Video Overview
This brief video provides an overview of Project Gate II and what it can do for you.