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03 Nov Older Americans Becoming Entrepreneurs

The number of older Americans becoming entrepreneurs is on the rise. In fact, the Kauffman Foundation reports that the rate of new business starts by people aged 55-64 is growing faster than any other age group.

There are a number of reasons why older Americans are increasingly choosing to start their own businesses. Some are motivated by a desire to pursue their passions, while others are looking for a new challenge or a way to supplement their retirement income. Still others are simply fed up with the ageism they face in the traditional workplace.

Whatever their reasons, older entrepreneurs have a number of advantages. They typically have a wealth of experience and expertise, as well as a network of contacts that can be valuable in starting and growing a business. They are also more likely to have the financial resources to support a new venture.

Of course, there are also some challenges that older entrepreneurs face. One challenge is that they may have difficulty accessing funding from traditional sources, such as banks. They may also find it difficult to compete with younger entrepreneurs who are more tech-savvy and up-to-date on the latest trends.

Despite the challenges, older entrepreneurs are finding success in a wide range of industries. Some are starting their own businesses in fields where they already have experience, such as healthcare, education, and consulting. Others are branching out into new areas, such as technology and e-commerce.

Here are some examples of successful older entrepreneurs:

• Harland David Sanders (Colonel Sanders) started KFC at the age of 65.
• Ray Kroc started McDonald’s at the age of 52.
• Sam Walton started Walmart at the age of 44.
• Vera Wang started her fashion career at the age of 40.
• Beryl Cook started painting at the age of 65 and became one of the most successful British artists of her time.

These stories show that it is never too late to start your own business.

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