About PRIME

Prince Charles on why he founded PRIME

The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) helps people over the age of fifty set up in business for themselves. PRIME was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in response to letters he was receiving from people desperate to work but unable to find anyone to employ them – because of their age.

PRIME offers free information, workshops and business networking events. It can refer people to accredited advisers for free business advice, and in some parts of the country can also offer free mentoring and other services.

PRIME is the only national organisation dedicated to helping unemployed older people start and run their own businesses. It is a registered charity no 1138233, and a member of the Prince’s Charities group.

A third of those aged between 50 and state pension age are not working, with the large percentage dependent on benefits. By comparison self-employment, or perhaps setting up in business with other people (a partnership, social enterprise or co-op), are attractive options.

About this web site
This site is where the charity asks for help and volunteers, and sets out its stall for funders big and small. It is also the home for PRIME’s own original research, and comment on other research and policy issues affecting older unemployment and older enterprise.

If you are interested in self-employment for yourself then our other site PRIME Business Club is likely to prove more useful. It’s full of helpful business information, practical ideas and contacts for our clients – those using self-employment as a route back into work, starting up a small business to provide their own livelihood.

If you are over 50, unemployed and thinking of setting up your own, you are also very welcome to contact PRIME direct on freephone number 0800 783 1904 (Mondays to Fridays 10am to 4pm), or email info@prime.org.uk

If you're new here, you may also want to visit our main web site PRIME Business Club where we provide lots of practical information to support clients.