April Events for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

STATEWIDE – Thinking about using your decades of experience to start a business of your own? This April, as part of National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month, AARP and the Small Business Association (SBA) will host “How to Start or Grow Your Own Business,” events in Springfield, Methuen, Worcester, and Plymouth.  Designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs age 50+ put start-up plans into action, the workshops will feature experts and resources to help with topics ranging from writing a business plan to seeking start-up capital.

 “Many Boomers see working later in life as an opportunity to find work that gives them more personal satisfaction — and a chance to make a difference in their communities,” said Linda Fitzgerald, volunteer state president of AARP Massachusetts.  ”AARP creates real possibilities by connecting experienced workers with the practical information and direction they need to start or grow a small business.”

Research has found that one in four Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are interested in starting their own business or nonprofit venture in the next five to 10 years.  Today, there are 7.4 million self-employed workers in the US who are 50 and older.  According to Encore.org, 63 percent of Americans plan to work during retirement.

Events will be held in Springfield on Saturday, April 6; Methuen on Friday, April 12; Worcester on Wednesday, April 24; and Plymouth on Thursday, April 25. These events are free, but registration is required.  Visit aarp.org/ma for site information and to reserve your seat.

AARP and SBA are also producing two webinars this month to help current and potential entrepreneurs.  For more information, and to register, visit www.aarp.org/startabusiness.  Visit www.sba.gov/encore for other resources available for entrepreneurs over the age of 50.

“We look forward to sharing all the tools and resources that are available through SBA and our resource partners,” said Bob Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director. “We are thrilled to team up with AARP, to work with those aspiring 50+ entrepreneurs who are interested in starting and growing a business, with the ultimate goal of helping transform their dreams into a reality.”

Encore Entrepreneurship Mentor Month is part of a larger effort by AARP and SBA to provide a range of resources to more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners over the age of 50 this year.  The events will help connect encore entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in becoming one, with mentors such as those from SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE chapters who can help throughout the life of an entrepreneur’s business.

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EVENT DETAILS:

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Technical Community College on Saturday, April 6, 2013

Scibelli Hall, 7th Floor, One Armory Square

Registration opens at 9:30–10am, Panel/Networking: 10-11:30am

To register, call 1-877-926-8300 or visit http://aarp.cvent.com/MASBASpringfield

METHUEN

Days Hotel & Conference Center on Friday, April 12, 2013

159 Pelham Street

Registration opens at 8-8:30am, Panel/Networking 8:30-10am

To register, call1-877-926-8300 or visit http://aarp.cvent.com/MASBAMethuen

WORCESTER

Worcester Polytechnic Institute – WPI on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Campus Center - Building 7

100 Institute Road

Registration opens at 9-9:30am, Panel/Networking 9:30-11am

To register, call 1-877-926-8300 or visit http://aarp.cvent.com/MASBAWorcester

PLYMOUTH

Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 25, 2013

134 Court Street

Registration opens at 9-9:30am, Panel/Networking 9:30-11am

To register, call 1-877-926-8300 or visit http://aarp.cvent.com/MASBAPlymouth