WASHINGTON—AARP and Public Private Strategies launched the free Small Business Resource Center for the 50+ to provide important resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners. Older entrepreneurs can find support, resources and practical guidance as they start, manage and grow their business. 

“Small businesses are vital to our nation’s economy and many are started by Americans age 50 and up,” said Susan Weinstock, AARP Vice President of Financial Resiliency Programming. “The impact of the pandemic on small businesses cannot be overstated and it is crucial that business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have practical guidance and information in this moment.”

A significant majority of small business are owned by entrepreneurs who started their businesses later in life. More than half (54%) of America's small business owners are over 50 and in 2019 they employed almost half (47.3%) of the U.S. private workforce. 

“Always, but particularly as we build back from COVID-19, small business owners and entrepreneurs are constantly adapting and evolving based on their market and customer needs,” said Rhett Buttle, founder and principal of Public Private Strategies. “The trusted resources and information on this platform will help them navigate every stage from starting a new business to managing an established one.”

The Small Business Resource Center for the 50+ includes:

• Guides to starting, managing and growing small businesses
• Help on operating small businesses during a crisis and determining vulnerabilities
• Assistance in evaluating funding needs and identifying sources of funding for small businesses.
• Resources in both Spanish and Chinese language    

In addition to the Small Business Resource Center for the 50+, AARP’s Online Career Expo on January 28 will have targeted sessions for small business owners. To register for the expo, visit: www.aarp.org/onlinedcareerexpo.

To access the online platform, visit: www.smallbizrc.org. The resource is free and does not require an AARP membership.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About Public Private Strategies
Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes.