Staff Report

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – There are as many reasons for starting a small business as there are Americans reaching retirement age. Corporate layoffs, the need for supplemental income, and a desire for a more flexible lifestyle all contribute to one in four individuals ages 44 to 70 interested in becoming entrepreneurs and 63 percent of Americans planning to work during retirement.

And because small business owners with long-term counselors see bigger sales, hire more workers and last longer, SBA, AARP, and SCORE will provide the training and mentoring services older entrepreneurs need to successfully start and grow businesses and create jobs. Advanced technology is leveling the playing field for small businesses, and many individuals approaching retirement are not able to realize their personal ambition to be the boss and reap the rewards.

Twenty five percent of Ameri- cans between age 44 and 70 are interested in starting a business The SBA, AARP and SCORE have teamed up to offer baby boomers training and mentoring to succeed as entrepreneurs. or non-profit venture in the next five to 10 years. Nearly half of these aspiring entrepreneurs reported a desire to be “Encore Entrepreneurs,” starting a business with a positive social impact.

As a workforce veteran, boomers bring a great deal to the table: maturity, strong finances, and a wide network of professional contacts and associates. Attendees will learn about the support and resources available to them locally. There will be a panel of encore entrepreneur mentors to share their stories and experience with the audience. The panel will be followed by audience questions and answers and the opportunity to speak directly with counselors on hand. Representatives from micro loan and non-traditional financial sources will describe those channels and be on hand to discuss specifics as it relates to entrepreneurs financing their dreams.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day
WHEN: Friday, August 19, 2016 from 9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
COST: Free
WHERE: Alvin Sherman Library (Nova Southeastern University) 3100 Ray Ferraro Jr Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33309