(Hartford, Conn., Aug. 13, 2015) – reSET, The Social Enterprise Trust and AARP Connecticut have teamed up to offer a new social enterprise workshop, “SPARKSETTER: Next Act Impact”, for the Greater Hartford area’s 50-plus community.

Participants will learn how to channel and combine their passion, experience and skills to create businesses that help solve local or global issues. The workshop is a 3-part series held at the reSET Business Factory at 1429 Park Street in Hartford on September 24, October 1, and October 8 from 5:30 – 7:30p.m. Interested parties also can attend one of the free introductory sessions being held at reSET on August 27 and September 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

“’Next Act Impact’ is geared toward people over age 50 who are thinking about the next stage of their lives and who are not interested in playing golf full-time for the next 30 years. It is ideal for anyone who is already retired or who is thinking of retiring and looking to have this next chapter be about giving back while doing something new and exciting,” said Kate Emery, CEO and founder of reSET. “Partnering with AARP Connecticut was a natural fit for reaching the over 50 demographic, and in particular, it resonates with the organization’s Life Reimagined initiative.”

“AARP believes age and experience can expand possibilities and we help create and connect older adults to the tools and resources they need to fulfill their passion and live life to the fullest,” said Nora Duncan, state director of AARP Connecticut. “For the past few years, we’ve helped prospective entrepreneurs in our community by steering them to reSET’s resources and by recruiting people with business experience as volunteer mentors. This social enterprise workshop will be a great continuation of our two organizations’ collaboration.”

A recent study by The Kaufmann Foundation found that baby boomers are twice as likely to launch a new business compared to millennials. “And there is a normal tendency, as we age, to think about legacy and giving back,” said Emery. “So we knew we needed to think about ways for reSET to help boomers launch social enterprises – impact driven businesses with a double or triple bottom line. Boomers have typically developed a lot of important skills and expertise that can help them start a business, and when they use those entrepreneurial skills to make a positive difference in the world, we all win!”

reSET is in the business of helping social entrepreneurs take their mission driven businesses to the next level. The SPARKSETTER program is designed to get people who do not necessarily self-identify as being entrepreneurial to think about starting a social enterprise. “When we think of the word ‘entrepreneur,’ what comes to mind for many people is a young, white, male of means,” explained Emery. “We want to change that perception and ignite the entrepreneurial spark within people who have the skills and potential to succeed in business, but who aren’t necessarily driven by money as much as the desire to do something good for the world.” Upcoming SPARKSETTER tracks will target other non-traditional entrepreneurial demographics, including women, the Latino community, veterans, and Emery believes it could also be used for groups like ex-convicts returning to their communities.

The cost for the 3-part workshop is $325, but AARP is covering the cost for the first 10 AARP members or their guests who sign up using a special discount code.

To learn more about “Next Act Impact,” please visit here (http://www.SocialEnterprisetTust.org/Events). To register for one of the introductory sessions, visit here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sparksetter-next-act-impact-information-session-tickets-17864899395) or to register for the 3-part series, visit here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sparksetter-next-act-impact-sessions-i-iii-tickets-17725255717; discount code: ADC).

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About reSET

reSET is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the social enterprise sector. Its strategic goals are threefold: to be the “go-to” place for impact entrepreneurs, to make Hartford known as Impact City, and Connecticut the Social Enterprise state. 

reSET serves all entrepreneurs, but specializes in social enterprise ― impact driven business with a double or triple bottom line. In addition to providing coworking space, accelerator and mentoring programs, reSET aims to inspire innovation and community collaboration, and to support entrepreneurs in creating market-based solutions to community challenges. reSET’s goal is to meet entrepreneurs wherever they are in their trajectory and to help them take their businesses to the next level. www.SocialEnterpriseTrust.org

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.