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June 20, 2012

Training available for senior entrepreneurs

-- Press-Republican

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration and AARP are launching a strategic alliance to provide counseling and training to entrepreneurs over the age of 50 who want to start or grow a small business. 

Through the Small Business Administration’s online training courses and its nationwide network of business mentors and counselors, the two organizations expect to train 100,000 “encore entrepreneurs,” men and women over 50 who are starting or running a small business.

“No matter what your age, if you have an idea or a business that’s ready to move to the next level, the SBA wants to make sure you have access to the tools you need to start and grow,” Karen Mills, Small Business Administration administrator, said in a news release. “We know that working side-by-side with AARP, we will be able to reach baby boomers and Americans over the age of 50 who have years of professional experience working for others and are ideally positioned to step out and become their own boss. And, in doing so, they will become job creators and drivers of economic growth in their communities.” 

The Small Business Administration has set up a dedicated Web page for Americans over the age of 50 featuring: an online self-assessment tool that will help potential small-business owners understand their readiness for starting a business as well as information to help with business planning, shaping a winning business idea, professional counseling, financial services and information to find local resources in the area. The Web page can be found at: www.sba.gov/content/50-entrepreneurs.

The organizations will also jointly develop and host a customized online course, self-assessment and webinar series for older entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration already offers a suite of online courses for people who want to start and grow their business. To take a course, go to www.sba.gov/training under “online courses.” Course topics include start-up basics, finance strategies, marketing tactics, overseas trade and more. 

Business ownership can be a second career or a chance to leverage life experiences into an interesting and financially practical “encore” career, according to the press release. 

“Many baby boomers are working beyond retirement age and choosing to stay active and engaged in the workforce,” Mills said. “For many older entrepreneurs, starting a small business can be an opportunity to transform a lifetime hobby or interest or years of professional experience into a lucrative line of work.” 

For more information on the Small Business Administration’s programs and services, visit www.sba.gov.

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