Highlight: UC-Supported Business FANTASTIC55 Helping People Plan an Encore Career

Nearly one in four new entrepreneurs nationally are between the ages of 55 and 64. A few factors play into this: the age group is well-educated, they have strong professional networks, they have access to capital (usually funded with savings instead of personal loans), are digitally savvy and can withstand risk.

Ann O’Meara, age 62, fits the bill for such an entrepreneur. She saw a gap, used her deep experience and long career in marketing and created Fantastic55, a website aimed at those over 55. The site offers how-to’s and interesting finds on the internet that inspire and educate. She even sells some swag in her online store.

Once Ann had the concept for Fantastic55, she got to work. She studied web design, Google AdSense, video capability and newsletter functions to build the brand. She had a deep marketing experience and penchant for research and learning, but she still needed help with the business side. Ann called KCSourceLink, a recipient of an EDA UC grant, and they outlined a Personal Action Plan.

KCSourceLink gave her a Personal Action Plan to help with her next steps. The UC has increased the capital pool for many startup companies, including Fantastic55. It also engages the corporate community in entrepreneurship, strengthens the network of resources for entrepreneurs and small business, and identifies commercialization opportunities.

Fantastic55 is now helping people reshape what retirement looks like. In an age where people are living longer, maintaining good health and staying technologically connected, Fantastic55 provides information, inspiration and celebration to those 55 and up. Their vision is to help unleash potential and conquer challenges during this time of exponential change resulting in an easier, connected, smarter and better life.

“Being able to see things with an entrepreneurial lens helped me accelerate,” said Ann. “There’s a whole infrastructure out there to help you and this is all part of helping seniors live purposefully.”