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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and AARP are teaming up to host Encore Entrepreneur month.  Two local events are planned in Kentucky targeting individuals over the age of 50 who want to grow their own business 

• April 11, 2014 in Bowling Green at SBDC Office, 2413 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Beginning at 9:00am to 11:00am. Follow link to register: http://aarp.cvent.com/SBAWKU
• April 25, 2014  in Lexington at Community Venture Corporation, 1450 N Broadway Rd. Lexington 40505. Beginning at 9:00am to 11:00am. Follow link to register:  http://aarp.cvent.com/SBALCV

 

All events are free and open to the public, registration is required online or call: 1-877-926-8300

  “AARP supports developing opportunities for older Americans to pursue entrepreneurship as a means to generate income, boost financial security and assist others in meeting needs,” said Ron Bridges, AARP Kentucky State Director. “AARP creates real possibilities by connecting experienced workers with the practical information and guidance they need to start or grow a small business.”

 Throughout this month, AARP Kentucky and other AARP state offices, SBA District Offices and SBA Resource Partners will host more than 150 events around the country.  Events include speed mentoring, which allows mentors and entrepreneurs to share information for five-minute sessions, and mentor lunches for entrepreneurs to learn best practices from successful small business owners.  For an interactive map of events nationwide, go to www.aarp.org/startabusiness.

 The two organizations will match these “encore entrepreneurs” with successful business owners and community leaders for advice and assistance.  “Many new entrepreneurs are saving their best acts for their encore performance,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.  “They’re using their decades of expertise and their rolodexes to start new businesses and to finally pursue that venture that has been stirring their dreams for all these years.  The SBA and AARP are once again focusing our efforts during Encore Entrepreneurship Mentor Month to help transform those dreams into a reality.”

 

Mentor Month in April is part of a larger effort by AARP and SBA to provide a range of resources this year to thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners over the age of 50.  The events will help connect encore entrepreneurs 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.

 According to a recent AARP survey, “Staying Ahead of the Curve 2013:  AARP Multicultural Work and Career Study,” 15 percent of workers 45-74 are self-employed.  Additionally, 13 percent of those who are current wage and salary workers say they plan to start a business once they retire.  Small business ownership is a good option for many baby boomers.  Small business owners who get long-term counseling may see bigger sales, hire more workers, and their businesses have more longevity.

 AARP and SBA are also producing 10 webinars this year as part of an encore webinar series, with two of them being held in April.  For more information, and to register, visit www.aarp.org/startabusiness.