The Growth Lab

Master the digital tools that unlock independence, efficiency, and business growth. Because technology should work for you–not intimidate you.

Technology That Empowers, Skills That Scale

Second Office isn't just infrastructure–we're your partner in capability building. Whether you're 50+ and want to master the digital tools that unlock independence, or you're running an SMME and need to automate your way to growth, The Growth Lab delivers practical, hands-on skills you can use immediately.

Tech Power Hour
Adults 50+

Level up your digital independence

Go beyond the basics. Master WhatsApp power features, shop smarter online, spot scams before they trick you, and use Google Maps like a local. Intermediate skills for active, independent adults 50+.

First Wednesday monthly
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM SAST
10 spots available
Register Now →

Growth Catalyst Sessions
SMMEs & Entrepreneurs

Tech tools that scale your business

Turn AI into your personal assistant, automate workflows with AppSheet and no-code tools, build systems that run without you, and master spreadsheets that drive business decisions. Practical tech enablement for growing businesses.

First Thursday (Feb, May, Aug, Oct)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM SAST
10 spots available
Register Now →

Tech Power Hour (Adults 50+)

You already know the basics. Now master the hidden features, shortcuts, and power tools that make technology work harder for you. Gain confidence, independence, and real capability.

Schedule: First Wednesday of every month
(February - November)
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Completely FREE
What to Bring: Your own device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop)
Refreshments: Available for purchase at Second Café

Important: Limited to 10 spots per session. Register in advance.

2026 Topic Schedule

February: WhatsApp Power User - Hidden Features You're Missing

Go beyond basic messaging. Use WhatsApp Web for typing on your computer, create broadcast lists for announcements, use status updates effectively, share live locations with family, and organize chats with labels.

March: Smart Shopping & Price Comparison Online

Save money by shopping smarter. Compare prices across Takealot, Makro, Checkers Sixty60. Read reviews properly, spot fake deals, use voucher codes, and get items delivered safely to your door.

April: Scam Alert - Real Examples & How to Spot Them

See actual WhatsApp scams, fake banking messages, and phishing emails from our community. Learn the red flags, what to do if you've been scammed, and how to report suspicious activity.

May: Google Maps Beyond Directions

Save your favorite places, share locations with family, see live traffic, find wheelchair-accessible routes, download offline maps for travel, and never rely on asking strangers for directions again.

June: Managing Your Online Life - Passwords & Privacy

Finally understand passwords! Set up a simple system that works, use your phone's password manager, control who sees your Facebook posts, manage app permissions, and clean up old accounts.

July: Productive Gmail - Organize, Search & Never Miss Important Emails

Stop drowning in emails. Use labels and folders, set up filters for bills and newsletters, search like a pro, schedule emails to send later, and create email templates for common messages.

August: Photos & Memories - Backup, Organize & Share Properly

Prevent losing precious photos. Use Google Photos backup, create shared albums with family, make photo books online, free up phone storage, and organize pictures into meaningful collections.

September: Video Calls That Work - WhatsApp, Zoom & Google Meet

Look good and sound clear on video calls. Understand WiFi vs data usage, fix common audio/video problems, use virtual backgrounds, screen share to show photos, and join family Zoom gatherings confidently.

October: Health & Wellness Apps for Independent Living

Track your daily walks and activity goals, set medication reminders that actually work, monitor blood pressure and glucose readings, find nearby pharmacies and clinics, access your medical aid information instantly, and use telemedicine for minor health questions without leaving home.

November: Traveling Smart with Your Smartphone

Plan trips with confidence using Google Flights and Booking.com, save boarding passes and hotel confirmations to your phone, use currency converters and translation apps, find restaurants and attractions with Google Reviews, stay safe with shared location features, and manage travel budgets with simple expense trackers.

Why Adults 50+ Love Tech Power Hour

Learn at Your Own Pace

No judgment, no rushing. We repeat explanations as many times as needed.

Friendly Group Setting

Learn alongside peers who understand your challenges and celebrate your wins.

Hands-On Practice

Bring your own device and practice on the tools you actually use.

Growth Catalyst Sessions (SMMEs)

Technology enablement for growing businesses. Learn to leverage AI, automation, and digital tools that scale your operations without scaling your costs. Practical, hands-on sessions designed for busy business owners.

Schedule: First Thursday of each month
(Feb, May, Aug, Oct)
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE to attend
What to Bring: Your laptop (hands-on practice encouraged)
Refreshments: Available for purchase at Second Café

Important: Limited to 10 participants per session. Register in advance.

2026 Quarterly Topics

Q1 - February: AI Tools That Run Your Admin

Let AI be your assistant

Use ChatGPT to write professional emails and proposals, create social media posts in seconds, draft contracts and terms of service, generate business ideas, and answer customer questions. Free and paid options explored.

What You'll Learn:

  • • Writing professional emails and proposals with AI assistance
  • • Creating social media content in seconds, not hours
  • • Drafting contracts, terms of service, and policies
  • • Generating business ideas and brainstorming solutions
  • • Building AI-powered customer service responses
  • • Free vs. paid AI tools - what's worth it?

Format:

Live demonstrations, hands-on practice, take-home templates

Register →

Q2 - May: AppSheet Automation for Business

Build custom business apps without coding

Build custom business apps without coding. Automate inventory tracking, customer management, job scheduling, and daily operations using Google AppSheet. Turn spreadsheets into powerful mobile apps that run your business.

What You'll Learn:

  • • Building custom apps from Google Sheets (no coding required)
  • • Automating inventory tracking with real-time updates
  • • Creating customer management and job scheduling apps
  • • Mobile data collection and field operations
  • • Workflow automation and approval processes
  • • Sharing apps with your team and clients

Format:

Hands-on workshop - build a real app for your business

Register for Q2 Session →

Q3 - August: Automating Your Business Workflows

Connect your tools so they work together

Automatically send invoice reminders, sync customer data across platforms, schedule social media posts weeks in advance, create email sequences that nurture leads, and build systems that run without you. Tools: Zapier, Make, WhatsApp Business API.

What You'll Learn:

  • • Automating invoice reminders and payment follow-ups
  • • Syncing customer data between spreadsheets, email, and CRM
  • • Scheduling social media content weeks in advance
  • • Building email sequences that nurture leads automatically
  • • WhatsApp Business API - automated customer communication
  • • Zapier vs. Make - which automation tool is right for you?

Format:

Build real automations during the session, leave with working systems

Register →

Q4 - October: Spreadsheets That Think - Excel/Google Sheets Power Skills

Transform your spreadsheets into business intelligence tools

Create automatic invoices, track inventory that alerts you when stock is low, build dashboards that show business health at a glance, and use formulas that do the calculating for you.

What You'll Learn:

  • • Building automatic invoice templates with formulas
  • • Inventory tracking with low-stock alerts
  • • Creating visual dashboards - see business health at a glance
  • • Essential formulas: VLOOKUP, IF statements, SUMIF, pivot tables
  • • Data validation - preventing errors before they happen
  • • Excel vs. Google Sheets - when to use which

Format:

Hands-on spreadsheet workshop, build templates you'll actually use

Register →

Who These Programs Serve

Tech Power Hour (Adults 50+)

Perfect for:

  • • Active active adults who already use smartphones and want to level up
  • • Retirees managing their own finances and health independently
  • • Grandparents who video call family but want to do more
  • • Anyone 50+ who refuses to be left behind by technology
  • • Seniors tired of asking kids for help with everything

You don't need to be an expert—just curious and ready to learn practical skills that make life easier.

Growth Catalyst Sessions (SMMEs)

Perfect for:

  • • Solo entrepreneurs drowning in manual admin work
  • • Small business owners who can't afford full-time staff
  • • Service providers needing professional marketing materials
  • • Business owners who know tech can help but don't know where to start
  • • Anyone tired of working IN the business instead of ON it

All industries welcome. From consultants to contractors, retailers to service providers—if you're growing, these tools will help you scale.

How to Register

For Tech Power Hour (Adults 50+)

  1. 1. Call us at 043 704 6400
  2. 2. Email info@secondoffice.co.za with:
    • • Your name
    • • Which month's session you want to attend
    • • Contact number
  3. 3. We'll confirm your spot (limited to 10 per session)

Registration closes 3 days before each session.

For Growth Catalyst Sessions (SMMEs)

  1. 1. Email info@secondoffice.co.za with:
    • • Your name
    • • Your business/industry
    • • Which quarter you're attending
  2. 2. We'll send you confirmation

Or register online at our contact page

Where We Meet

All programs are hosted at Second Office, 1 Cavendish Road, Vincent, East London.

Facilities:

  • • Accessible venue (ramps, ground floor access)
  • • Comfortable seating
  • • Air-conditioned rooms
  • • Second Café on-site for refreshments (available for purchase)
  • • Free secure parking

Frequently Asked Questions

Tech Power Hour Questions:

I already know the basics. Will this be too beginner for me?

Not at all! This program is designed for active active adults who already use basic apps. We focus on intermediate skills like WhatsApp power features, smart shopping, scam prevention, and productivity tools. If you can send a WhatsApp message, you're ready for the next level.

Do I need to bring my own device?

Yes, please bring whatever device you want to learn (smartphone, tablet, or laptop). Learning on your own device means you can practice at home.

What if I miss a session?

No problem. Each month covers a different topic, so you can join whenever suits you. We also repeat popular topics based on demand.

Can my spouse/friend join me?

Yes, but they must register separately as we're limited to 10 spots per session.

Is tea and coffee provided?

Sessions are completely free, but refreshments are available for purchase at our Second Café next door.

Growth Catalyst Sessions Questions:

Do I need technical skills to attend?

No technical background needed! These sessions are designed for business owners, not tech experts. We show you practical tools and walk you through hands-on examples. If you can use email and browse the web, you can use these tools.

Is this just for certain industries?

No. All industries and business types are welcome. The diversity of perspectives is valuable.

Can I bring a business partner or team member?

Yes, but please register everyone who's attending so we can plan seating and materials.

Will there be sales pitches?

No. These are peer learning and connection events, not sales opportunities. Hard selling is discouraged.

What if I can't make a specific quarter?

No problem. Join whichever quarter's theme interests you most. No commitment required.

Ready to Join Our Community?

Whether you're learning digital skills or growing your business network–there's a place for you here.

Questions? Call us at 043 704 6400 or email info@secondoffice.co.za