AARP & Public Private Strategies Launch the Small Business Resource Center for 50+

Smallbizrc.org is a free, online platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners

AARP and Public Private Strategies launched the free Small Business Resource Center for the 50+ to provide important resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners. Older entrepreneurs can find support, resources and practical guidance as they start, manage and grow their business. 

“Small businesses are vital to our nation’s economy and many are started by Americans age 50 and up,” said Susan Weinstock, AARP Vice President of Financial Resiliency Programming. “The impact of the pandemic on small businesses cannot be overstated and it is crucial that business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have practical guidance and information in this moment.”

According to Fundera.com, Montana tops the nation in the percentage of the overall workforce employed by small businesses. Small businesses in Montana employ 67.6% of the workforce. Wyoming comes in at number two with 62.3% of the workforce employed by small businesses.

Additionally, according to a recent article in the Daily Interlake, Montana is the state with the most impressive talent pool for hiring employees at small businesses.

"We know small businesses are the backbone of our economy and of local communities across Montana," said AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers. "AARP is pleased to bring an additional resource to assist small business owners in Montana -- whether they're aspiring entrepreneurs or established business owners."

A significant majority of small business are owned by entrepreneurs who started their businesses later in life. More than half (54%) of America's small business owners are over 50 and in 2019 they employed almost half (47.3%) of the U.S. private workforce. 

“Always, but particularly as we build back from COVID-19, small business owners and entrepreneurs are constantly adapting and evolving based on their market and customer needs,” said Rhett Buttle, founder and principal of Public Private Strategies. “The trusted resources and information on this platform will help them navigate every stage from starting a new business to managing an established one.”

The Small Business Resource Center for the 50+ includes:

• Guides to starting, managing and growing small businesses
• Help on operating small businesses during a crisis and determining vulnerabilities
• Assistance in evaluating funding needs and identifying sources of funding for small businesses.
• Resources in both Spanish and Chinese language

In addition to the Small Business Resource Center for the 50+, AARP’s Online Career Expo on January 28 will have targeted sessions for small business owners. To register for the expo, visit: www.aarp.org/onlinedcareerexpo.

To access the online platform, visit: www.smallbizrc.org. The resource is free and does not require an AARP membership.

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About AARP Montana: For nearly 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. As a non-profit organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. Today, nearly 148,000 strong, AARP Montana is one of the largest membership organizations in the state.  As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.


About Public Private Strategies: Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes.