Enterprise support for older entrepreneurs: the case of PRIME in the UK
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 14 March 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to examine the potential for and barriers to older enterprise as well as the role and contribution of specific enterprise support policy, focusing in particular on socially disadvantaged older people.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a single case study of the Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) with multiple data sources, including a synthesis of current literature, PRIME self‐evaluation reports, interviews with PRIME personnel and results of a recent survey of 283 individuals who had contacted PRIME for enterprise advice and support.
Findings
The paper finds that, with respect to older enterprise support policy, the tentative results presented in this study seem encouraging in terms of a positive social and economic role for older enterprise support work. However, due to the limitations of the data, a number of questions need additional clarification in future research. Longitudinal research designs are required to investigate in more detail the additional social benefits generated by older enterprise support as well as concerns regarding deadweight and over‐investment.
Originality/value
The paper brings the experience of enterprise support practitioners into the debate about older entrepreneurship.
Keywords
Citation
Kautonen, T., Down, S. and South, L. (2008), "Enterprise support for older entrepreneurs: the case of PRIME in the UK", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550810863071
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited