Starting a small business?

Is starting a small business right for you?  Do you have an idea to start your own small business?  Need basic information on what to do next, understand how much it will cost, and find out where to go for assistance? 

Then you may want to attend the Encore Entrepreneur Forum sponsored by AARP New Hampshire and the Small Business Administration.  In three locations – Plymouth, Keene and Lebanon – these free 90-minute forums can help you start or grow a small business.  Here’s the line-up:

Plymouth:  April 22, 2014.  5:30 to 7:00 pm
Enterprise Center at Plymouth; One Bridge Street, Plymouth, NH 03264
Parking map 
Directions
RSVP:  http://aarp.cvent.com/plymouth

Keene:  April 24, 2014.  8:30 am to 10:00 am
Location to be determined
RSVP:  http://aarp.cvent.com/keene

Lebanon:  April 30, 2014.  4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Kilton Public Library, Community Room; 80 South Main Street; West Lebanon, NH 03784
Directions
RSVP:  http://aarp.cvent.com/lebanon

A panel of experts from AARP, SBA, SCORE, Small Business Development Center and Center for Women’s Business Advancement and others will discuss the elements of making your small business dream become reality.  Topics covered include finance, planning, legal, and market analysis.  Connecting with mentors from the SBA’s network of free service providers will round out the program.  These services provide one-to-one help throughout the life of an entrepreneur’s business …. and are provided without cost!

So, if running your own business is part of “what’s next” in your life, you’ll want to clear your calendar on April 10 and join this Encore Entrepreneur business forum.  It’s a fact that small business owners with long-term counselors see bigger sales, hire more workers, and last longer.

Or, visit www.aarp.org/startabusiness for a variety of tips and tools on starting a business.  Want to see if you’re ready to start a business?  Take an on-line assessment at www.sba.gov/content/50-entrepreneurs and while you’re there, check out resources for business planning, professional counseling and financial services. 

AARP and SBA want to empower you to pursue your goals and dreams.  Think of this as your first step.