Recognizing Entrepreneurs
Oftentimes the hard work and talent, and the contributions entrepreneurs make locally and globally goes unnoticed. Anyone who has launched a business, large or small, knows the labor of passion, time and commitment it takes to toil toward success. Entrepreneurship is not easy and can be risky. It takes resiliency and fortitude to pursue your passion every day. It takes resources, networks, mentors, and a bit of innovation to be a successful entrepreneur; therefore, AARP supports aspiring small business owners by equipping them with information and resources to determine if being a business owner is right for them.
For National Entrepreneurship Month, AARP is recognizing and supporting 50+ entrepreneurship with a series of events that will inform, educate and inspire aspiring and new entrepreneurs. The month was kicked off with a Small Business Roundtable of entrepreneurs and small business professionals who are hosting community conversations. Topics include: how to start a business, how to turn your side hustle into your main hustle, relevant tools and resources, networking and marketing to grow your business and a host of other small business topics. And, two live AARP Telephone Town Hall events on funding and marketing your small business. Information about all of these events is available online at www.aarp.org/startabusiness.
Additionally, on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, AARP is encouraging small business owners to let their community and networks know they are “open for business.” If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, use the day to support a small business, network, learn about what it takes to be business for yourself, identify local resources to help you get started and seek out an experienced business owner to serve as your mentor. It’s also way to give back and support your local economy.
AARP recognizes the hard work it takes to launch and sustain a business. National and local collaborations offer the prospect of creating learning opportunities that inform and educate individuals interested in launching new enterprises as business owners. Organizations such as the Small Business Administration, SCORE, National Urban League, Institute for Institute Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), and the US Chambers of Commerce are just a few entities that offer resources such as training, coaching, mentoring, and one-on-one support to help small businesses be successful.
Check out AARP’s free tools and resources at www.aarp.org/50plusentrepreneurship and www.aarp.org/startabusiness to get a jump-start on launching, scaling and growing your business.
AARP helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for and equips Americans 50 and older to live their best lives. Discover all the ways AARP can help you, your family and your community at AARP.