Have an amazing business idea?

Thinking up a new product is one thing but bringing it to the retail market is quite another. Often entrepreneurs need help getting their ideas off the ground. 

That was the case for Andrew Ziccardi, who was able to turn his aha moment into a real product with guidance from AARP Foundation Work for Yourself@50+. He created the Ergo Cap, a small tool that fits over standard bottle caps and enables people with hand-strength issues to open water bottles.

Andrew first came up with his big idea when he was delivering medical equipment to a client and saw how much trouble the 80-year-old woman was having opening a water bottle.

“I have an 89-year-old mom, and she has difficulties, too,” he remembers.

Andrew was able to launch his labor of love after attending a free workshop from AARP Foundation Work for Yourself@50+. The workshop, specially created for older adults living with limited income to explore self-employment as a means to earn extra income, centers on the Five Simple Steps to Get You Started toolkit. This 5-step toolkit includes detailed lesson plans and worksheets. Participants gain free tools, resources, and guidance, as well as connections to peers and additional program support.

For Andrew, he says the workshop emphasized the importance of doing extensive market research on his prospective industry. 

From there, he learned how to refine his business model and develop a full-fledged business plan, including, he says, “what I think I’ll generate the first, second, and third year. What costs are involved — not only the product and manufacturing but other things like advertising, trade shows, and travel.”

Now, at age 58, the self-described “go-getter” is doggedly pursuing seed money for Ergo Cap, using lessons learned from the Work for Yourself@50+ program.

With a business model and plan in hand, Andrew has been able to get enough funding to mass-produce the Ergo Cap. He’s hopeful for his future in the business world.

“I will pursue this to where I’m successful enough to either pass it onto my children, sell the company, or be semi-retired and work on other projects,” he says. “That’s my dream.”
If you have a dream like Andrew — or are looking for a way to earn income by working for yourself — download the 5 Steps To Get You Started toolkit to begin exploring your options.