SBA Commits Resources to Encore Entrepreneurs

Today there are over 76 million Baby Boomers in the country.   Recent research found that one in four Americans between the ages 44 and 70 are interested in starting their own business or nonprofit venture in the next five to ten years. As a result of this research, SBA and AARP have teamed up to train and counsel 100,000 of the 50+ entrepreneurs who think that small business ownership is a good option.

In New England, SBA/AARP offered workshops from New Haven, Connecticut to Wiscasset, Maine on October 2, 2012 to help educate 270 baby boomers about programs and services that can help them realize their small business ownership dreams.

In Maine, the SBA and AARP teamed up with Coastal Enterprises, Inc. to present a workshop on the technology needs of encore entrepreneurs and covered topics like cyber security, website development and social media.  New Hampshire participated in two events: a webinar given by SBA staff and each of its resource partners on SBA programs and services. The following day, the New Hampshire SBA participated in a New Hampshire Forum on the Future to address issues faced by encore entrepreneurs.

The Massachusetts District Office took part in a seminar at the Center for Productive Longevity at Babson College where SBA led two breakout sessions: one on the risks and rewards of being an entrepreneur and the other on developing a business plan or business concept statement.  On October 2, the SBA in Massachusetts joined AARP and its resource partners to educate baby boomers about resources that can help with every phase of business planning.

Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont held events where attendees were introduced to mentors and to programs and services tailored for the 50+ crowd.

For more information, including a self-assessment, visit SBA’s Encore Entrepreneur page at:  http://www.sba.gov/encore.

Leave a comment