Bringing Elder Friendly Business Certification Program to your Community

With 8,000 Americans turning 60 each day, the Age Wave is here! Implications for business are clear: Improved access and knowledge to older consumer needs are important to be competitive in the business arena. Elder Friendly Business Certification is a relatively inexpensive way for businesses to acquire new customers, thereby adding dollars to their bottom line.

Benefits for Non-Profit Organizations

The current growth of the aging population increasingly strains the program dollars available to meet the need of seniors. Creative agencies are looking for innovative programs that will enhance the quality of life for older adults while improving the overall health of the agency. The Elder Friendly Business Certification Program is just that. Everyone stands to benefit!

• Establishes connections with businesses, which can pay dividends by building a base for donations, in-kind services and technical assistance.
• Positions your agency as an expert and sets you apart from other organizations because you provide a valuable service.
• Positions your agency to be viewed as proactive by older adults.
• Provides older adults with improved access to local businesses.
• Increases your agency's exposure in the community; people with recognize the Elder Friendly logo on local businesses.

Program Administration

Staffing models vary depending on the amount of time and money an agency invests in the program. An effective program can be started with as little as .25-.5 full time employee paid Program Manager to administer the program. Administrative support of at least 2 hours per business evaluation is standard, which can be with a .25 paid employee or volunteer position. Volunteers are recruited and trained to carry out the business evaluations. A program fee for the business evaluation is recommended to help underwrite the expense of the program. However, the greatest value of the program comes from the relationships developed with the businesses and how those relationships are used to provide further benefit to the licensing agency.

Program Package

The Elder Friendly program comes to you packaged and ready for implementation. The research and materials are developed, saving you thousands of dollars in startup costs. This turn-key package is available through the secured, Members only section of the website. It includes downloads for reproducible materials including an instructional manual detailing program startup and operations, templates for all forms and correspondence, window decals, business cards, brochures, stationary, business directory and tip sheets. This web accessed program includes a day and half of on site training by Elders in Action staff and technical support for one year after purchase. Licenses are available for purchase starting at $7,000, based on the population served by your organization. For more information about purchasing the Elder Friendly Business Certification Program, contact us at (503) 235-5474 or email us at info@eldersinaction.org.