Experts Advise Entrepreneurs on Starting Home-Based Businesses

Ohio’s tough employment market—with a jobless rate now above 11 percent—is prompting some Ohioans age 50 and older to consider the possibility of starting their own businesses. They’re not alone.

A recent study found Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 averaged a higher rate of entrepreneurship than individuals between the ages of 20 and 34. In fact, Sara Rix, an analyst with the AARP Public Policy Institute, notes the increasing number of older entrepreneurs is pushing up the percentage of older Americans in the workforce.

This trend has the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) offering free workshops about the best way to start a home-based business for entrepreneurs over age 50. The half-day session feature professionals in this age group discussing best practices int he areas of business planning, marketing, law, accounting, finance, insurance, technology and free support services for entrepreneurs.

The ODOD Small Business & Entrepreneurship Division is offering the half-day workshops in four cities this fall:

Akron: Tuesday, Sept. 22, Registration 8:30-9 a.m., Workshop 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,
The Job Center, 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310

Cincinnati: Tuesday, Sept. 29, Registration 12:30-1 p.m., Workshop 1-4 p.m., Super Jobs Center, 1916 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Youngstown: Wednesday, Oct. 14, Registration 12:30-1 p.m., Workshop 1-4 p.m., Boardman Public Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512

Mansfield: Wednesday, Oct. 28, Registration 12:30-1 p.m., Workshop 1-4 p.m.,
Richland County One Stop Employment & Training Center, 183 Park Ave., East Mansfield, OH 44901

Registration is free, and seating is limited. Register online or call (614) 466-2718 or 1-800-848-1300 and ask for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Division.