Encore Entrepreneurs

Are you nearing retirement and exploring new opportunities? Or, are you wondering how you will manage once you retire? A growing number of individuals over the age of 50+ are turning to small business ownership. We call them “encore entrepreneurs”.

Whether you are interested in starting a small business right away or intend to wait until retirement, now is the time to explore the possibilities.

IMPORTANT NEWS - Meet our small business mentors on National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day on October 2, 2012, a joint effort with SBA and AARP. You’ll have an opportunity to interact with small business mentors and learn more about resources available at Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE chapters. Mark your calendar today!

Get Ready for a New Start

SBA has a number of resources and tools to help encore entrepreneurs effectively prepare for starting and running a small business, including business planning, mentoring and financial assistance. It’s easy to get started.

• Complete a self-assessment to understand your readiness for starting a small business.
• Try our free “starting a small business” course for encore entrepreneurs. It’s an easy-to-use guide with important details you need to know about starting and running a small business, financing and more.

Encore Entrepreneurs: An Introduction to Starting Your Own Business

[Course Mobile Edition] [Transcript | Keyboard Shortcuts ]

Learn More at the Virtual Help Desk

Our virtual concierge, named Jean [Help Desk][Help Desk Mobile Edition] [ Transcript], will help you discover more SBA resources. Jean is the go-to encore entrepreneurship help desk guide. She is available anytime and anywhere to walk you through what’s available at SBA. Jean shares information on disaster planning, Veterans resources and mentoring. You also have an opportunity to tell us more about what topics you’d like to see to start, grow and manage your business.

Do I Need a Business Plan?

Your business plan is an essential part of getting your small business up and running. It will serve as your short and long-term guide to managing your business. For step-by-step instructions on developing your business plan, try the business planner to define your market, products, services, sales strategy, marketing and financing.

Find Your Local Resources

Enter your zip code to find a small business counselor or mentor through a Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or Small Business Development Center near you. SBA resources can help you learn more about your target market, how to manage a successful small business, and ways to sustain your growth.

Start Smart with SBA Resources

• SBA small business planner
  Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.

• Buy a franchise
  Business franchising offers many opportunities and this form of ownership has helped many entrepreneurs.

• Finance a business
  An integral component of starting a successful business is raising sufficient capital. There are many challenges here, but we have numerous resources are available to help you.

• SBA healthcare resources
  Did you know that small business owners may be able to deduct some of health insurance premiums from their taxes? Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also offer more ways to save on healthcare costs. 

• Contract opportunities
  The SBA provides information on the various programs that can help you position your business for contracting opportunities throughout the Federal Government.