AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ is pleased to join the Global Entrepreneurship Network in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020!
Today, more than 37 million older adults are living in or on the verge of poverty. Insufficient emergency savings, uncertain job prospects, age discrimination and lingering debt affect their financial health. The coronavirus pandemic has left many in an even more precarious financial situation. Older, low-income workers need more help than ever to build economic opportunity, especially in communities of color affected by systemic racism.
AARP Foundation has long been committed to developing programs and tools to increase the financial resilience of vulnerable older adults. We believe entrepreneurship is one pathway to achieving financial security. AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ program provides free, accessible, comprehensive resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. We collaborate with local economic development organizations to host workshops and provide hands-on assistance, coaching, and mentorship to meet the needs of diverse populations in their own communities.
Work for Yourself@50+ is an entrepreneurship program through AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP. The program, which is partially funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, was conceived in 2016 as a way to build economic opportunities for vulnerable older adults.
Since it began in 2016, Work for Yourself@50+ has served more than 16,000 (26,000_ adults. Program participants have reported an average increase of almost $11,000 in annual business revenue. This increase has not only boosted their own income but also contributed to their community’s prosperity.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or exploring your next steps, our Work for Yourself@50+ program can help you figure out if self-employment is right for you. Check out these resources below:
- Cultivating Entrepreneurship Report
- Freelancing Resource Center
- Aspiring Entrepreneur Toolkit (Work for Yourself@50+ Toolkit)
- Events near you
If you’re interested in bringing Work for Yourself@50+ to your organization (community) please contact AARP Foundation’s team at workforyourself@aarp.org.