Starting a business can feel like a daunting task at any age, but imagine becoming an entrepreneur after spending decades in a different career. Suzanne Noble has embraced this challenge and transformed it into an opportunity for herself and countless other entrepreneurs. As a co-founder of Startup School for Seniors, she is dedicated to helping individuals over 50 rediscover their potential and launch their own businesses. Her online programme equips participants with the tools, confidence, and peer support needed to turn their ideas into reality.
Managing an international team member along the way, Suzanne relies on her Wise Business account for fast, transparent, and low-fee international payments. With just a few clicks, she pays her developer in the Philippines in pesos, ensuring seamless cross-border transactions without the hassle or hefty fees often associated with traditional banks.
Ways to pay with Wise Business
Suzanne launched Startup School for Seniors during the pandemic when she noticed a growing need among over-50s for alternative careers and new beginnings. With years of experience running her own businesses spanning the entertainment, public relations, tech and property industries, she noticed that many older workers lacked the confidence to start their own ventures. After securing funding, Suzanne and her co-founder Mark Elliott created an online programme to guide these often-overlooked age groups through the steps of starting a business, providing both practical tools and a supportive community.
“There's something really special about learning alongside your peers. It creates a supportive environment and fosters valuable collaboration.”
The programme supports people at different stages of their business journey, from those unsure of which idea to pursue to those with “non-functioning” businesses: "Many entrepreneurs start with an idea, believing everyone will want it, only to realise they don't know their ideal customer. The course attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages, all looking to refine their business approach," Suzanne says.
To manage Startup School for Seniors, Suzanne works with contractors worldwide. Over the years, she has had team members based all over the globe, from the Netherlands to Eastern Europe to Lebanon and now the Philippines. Suzanne has used Wise Business to pay her contractors and developers, benefiting from fast, transparent and low-fee international transfers: “We've used Wise Business from the start - it's fast, reliable, and the low fees make a huge difference to our cash flow. I now pay our developer in Philippine pesos, and the platform lets me see exactly what it will cost and how long it will take.”
“Using a traditional bank for international payments can be a nightmare if you're not super familiar with the process. With Wise Business, it’s so easy and effortless. Why go back to an archaic way of sending money?”
Suzanne values the security and trust Wise Business offers: “I once used a provider that no one had heard of, and it was a nightmare to get people to trust us. Now with my business account with Wise, I know the payment will go through smoothly.” Suzanne also highlights that because of paying the invoices to another Wise customer, it's even easier: “Our developer also uses Wise, which makes it even easier. I can track the transaction, get notification when it's sent, and know she'll get her payment on time.”
“If you're going to use a payment provider for business needs, whether it's to pay an invoice or anything else, make sure it's a solution everybody knows about. I think Wise has now become a trusted partner for people and businesses who are looking to transact internationally.”
From a former UX researcher developing a knitted hat business using vintage patterns, to an African food entrepreneur catering corporate events, the programme has seen businesses across diverse sectors. Whether someone is launching a side hustle or a full-time business, Startup School for Seniors equips them with the tools and confidence to succeed. “We've had participants start everything from diversity consulting firms to baking businesses. There's no shortage of ideas - it's just about giving them the confidence and guidance they need to take action,” Suzanne says.
“Not spending a fortune on international payments means we can spend more money on marketing, recruiting participants, and getting the word out there about our business.”
Suzanne has big plans for Startup School for Seniors. Recognising that the need for support among those over 50 isn't limited to the UK, she’s exploring opportunities to expand the programme to Australia, Portugal, Italy, and beyond. “The issues we're addressing are global, and we want to help as many people as possible take control of their financial futures,” Suzanne explains. She has also received interest in her programme from individuals in the US, New Zealand, and Australia.
In the UK, the programme has evolved with the launch of the Get Work Done Club, a low-cost monthly membership that helps participants stay motivated and continue building their businesses after completing the course.
Startup for Seniors is helping to redefine life and careers after 50, creating a new generation of business founders and entrepreneurs, with Wise Business as a trusted partner as they expand their horizons.
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