AARP and SBA to Host Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Workshop

Collaboration provides Americans 50+ with resources to becoming successful business owners                    

 

NORTH CHESTERFIELD _AARP Virginia and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will join forces to host an Encore Entrepreneur Mentor workshop at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 22 at the Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 The workshop is targeted to entrepreneurs age 50 and older.

 

The National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor program matches future business owners with successful entrepreneurs and community leaders to provide advice and assistance. To register for this workshop, visit the library’s website at http://chesterfield.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=4280&lib . Registration begins April 8. Any information you provide to the host organization is governed by that organization’s privacy policy.

 

Throughout April, AARP state offices and SBA District Offices will host several events and workshops around the country. Events will include a speed mentoring, which allows mentors and entrepreneurs to share information for five-minutes, as well as brown bag launches for entrepreneurs to learn best practices from experienced business owners.

 

For four years, AARP and SBA have jointly worked to reach Americans 50 and over to provide resources that will aid them in their efforts of becoming a business owner. Both organizations provide a range of resources-both online and in person, conference and mentoring programs to provide support needed to start a business. The event will help connect encore entrepreneurs with mentors such as those from SCORE, Chesterfield Country Economic Development, BizSource, BizWork, and Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA).

 

“This initiative between AARP and SBA is about creating real possibilities among individuals 50 and older by providing them with the support they need to start a business,” said Bob Blancato, AARP Virginia State President. “The Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Workshops will equip those making the transition to becoming an entrepreneur with the necessary information and guidance.”

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. In addition, 11 percent of those who said they are not self-employed plan on owning their own business once they retire. Self-employment is a good option for baby boomers planning on still working after retirement. SBA and AARP have the resources to train older entrepreneurs on starting their own business.

 

The collaboration between AARP and SBA on Encore Entrepreneur Mentor has reached over 120,000 people. This joint effort between the two organizations continues to reach people both online and in person during conferences and workshops. To participate in an SBA online training course, go to www.sba.gov/encore for a toolkit and other resources on entrepreneurship for those 50 and over.

 

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.