Business development is often associated with youthful ambition, but Rasa Jakovonienė proves that reaching fifty is not a barrier, but a new starting point. Together with her husband Mantas, she has developed ‘Briedžio sapnas’ (Deer’s Dream), an experiential glamping and education space near Vilnius. The couple demonstrates that it is never too late to turn an idea into reality with courage and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The family business began three years ago when the couple evaluated the potential of their 5-hectare plot near Lithuania’s capital. Previously used for growing buckwheat, the land offered a unique opportunity to create a sanctuary for those seeking to escape urban life and enjoy nature.

Although the couple has been in business for 15 years, this project required entirely new skills. They began by installing a pond and building tipis equipped with terraces and indoor fire pits, allowing for year-round accommodation. The family is currently finishing the construction of sauna cabins and expanding their educational offerings, including traditional meat smoking workshops based on family recipes.

To strengthen their business foundation, Rasa participated in the ‘Silver Economy Accelerator,’ a program organized by the Innovation Agency Lithuania. The initiative is specifically designed to help entrepreneurs aged 50 and older refine their business models and marketing strategies.

“The training helped me identify my target audience and update my marketing knowledge. It also provided valuable networking opportunities,” says Rasa. Through these connections, the business has already secured contracts for educational projects aimed at children with special needs.

Indrė Gendroliūtė-Gerulienė, head of the Regional Business Transformation Division at the Innovation Agency, notes that demographic shifts make it essential to empower older generations to participate actively in the economy. The accelerator provides the practical tools needed to overcome specific business challenges and accelerate growth.

Following its success, the program is expanding this autumn to seven additional Lithuanian municipalities: Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Mažeikiai, Šakiai, Šalčininkai, Lazdijai, and Anykščiai. This initiative highlights that successful entrepreneurship is not limited by age, but is driven by persistence and the ability to leverage available resources.

What is the Silver Economy Accelerator?

It is a program organized by the Innovation Agency Lithuania that provides practical training, networking, and support for entrepreneurs aged 50 and older to help them develop and scale their business ideas.

Is the Silver Economy Accelerator training free?

Yes, the training provided by the Innovation Agency through this program is free of charge for participants.

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Updated2026-07-14 14:20

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Article contextPeople & topics3#5Rasa JakovonienėMantas JakovonisIndrė Gendroliūtė-Gerulienė