# From experience to enterprise: Survey maps the needs of Europe’s 50+ future business owners

> People over 50 show a strong interest in entrepreneurship in Finland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Slovakia.

## The CHANCE Project
The CHANCE Erasmus+ project aims to strengthen the skills of adults aged 50+ who are interested in setting up their own business or pursuing a new career path. Co-funded by the EU, the project brings together six partner organisations from five European countries:

*   **Comenius University Bratislava** (SK)
*   **Regional Innovation and Development Agency** (SK)
*   **Newton University** (CZ)
*   **Savonia University of Applied Sciences** (FI)
*   **Údarás Na Gaeltachta** (IE)
*   **Algebra Bernays University** (HR)

The project’s main objective is to develop a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) tailored to the needs of "late entrepreneurs," covering business planning, financial management, marketing, and digital tools.

## Survey Findings: Motivations and Drivers
A survey conducted in the summer and autumn of 2025 gathered responses from more than 600 participants. Key findings include:

*   **Personal Fulfilment:** A leading motivator, cited by 79% of respondents in the Czech Republic, 73% in Slovakia, 59% in Croatia, and 58% in Finland.
*   **Independence and Flexibility:** Cited by 64% of respondents in the Czech Republic and Croatia, and 62% in Finland.
*   **Professional Legacy:** The desire to remain active and share expertise was cited by 35% of Czech, 33% of Slovak, and 30% of Finnish respondents.
*   **Financial Factors:** Financial need influences 47% of respondents in Croatia, 31% in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and 29% in Finland.

## Business Interests and Professional Background
Many respondents hold university degrees, often at the master’s level. Consequently, their business interests are largely knowledge-based and experience-driven:

*   **Consulting and Coaching:** The top interest area (57% in Croatia, 52% in Finland, 48% in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and 44% in Ireland).
*   **Other sectors:** Digital and online services, local services, retail and e-commerce, and creative or craft-based businesses.

## Barriers to Entrepreneurship
Despite high interest, participants face significant structural obstacles:

*   **Bureaucracy:** Most acutely felt in Slovakia (62%), the Czech Republic (55%), Ireland (44%), and Croatia (42%).
*   **Access to Finance:** A major obstacle for 78% of Croats and 68% of Finns.
*   **Digital Skills:** The greatest hindrance in the Czech Republic (54%) and Slovakia (48%).
*   **Fear of Failure:** Affects 36% of respondents in Ireland.

## Future Steps
The survey results indicate a strong demand for training in marketing, business planning, taxation, legal aspects, and financial management. Respondents prefer flexible, video-based online learning, supplemented by mentoring and group discussions. These insights will inform the development of the upcoming MOOC, which aims to support lifelong learning and labour market inclusion across Europe.

For more information, visit the [project website](https://chance-project.eu/).