Hi. I’m Connie. As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, I speak to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in Retirement. This blog post will help you know more about how to start a small business in retirement.

How to Start a Small Business in Retirement in Five Steps

Starting a small business in retirement is a wonderful way to stay active, share your experience, and earn extra income. Here’s a five-step guide to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Passion or Skill

Begin by thinking about what you love to do or what you’re good at. Maybe you’re a whiz at crafting, have a green thumb, or are a pro at fixing things. 

Your business should be something you’re excited about— it’s your time to shine in an area that brings you joy. Reflect on your hobbies, past work experiences, or skills others praise. If you’re stuck, ask friends and family what they think you’re great at.

2. Research and Plan

Once you have a business idea, it’s time to hit the books (or the internet) and research to see if there’s a demand for what you want to offer. 

Who are your customers? What are they looking for? How will you reach them? Also, check out your competition. There’s always something to learn from others already in the game. 

Then, sketch out a simple business plan. This doesn’t have to be a novel— a one-pager with your goals, target audience, pricing, and marketing strategies is a good start.

3. Sort Out Your Finances

The Money part is crucial. Determine how much you’ll need to start your business and keep it running. 

Think about how you’ll cover these costs. Are you using your savings, a small business loan, or your retirement fund? However, be careful with your nest egg and don’t risk more than you can afford.

4. Make It Official

It’s crucial to make your business legitimate. Choose a business name and register it. 

If you’re in the US, you can typically do it through your state’s Secretary of State office or a similar entity. 

You may also need a tax identification number and, depending on your business type, a license or permit. You should also open a separate bank account for your business to keep finances tidy and transparent.

5. Market Your Business

Let the world know you’re open for business. Create buzz by telling friends and family. You can also use social media to reach more people. If the internet isn’t your thing, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and flyers can also be great ways to advertise. 

Networking is key—join local clubs, attend trade shows, or become a part of online communities related to your business. Word-of-mouth is often the best advertisement, so don’t be shy about asking for referrals.

Conclusion

Starting a business in retirement isn’t just about making money—it’s about passion, fulfillment, and making a difference in your community. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Your wealth of experience has so much value and now is the perfect time to share it through your business.

Disclaimer: The material and information contained in this article are for general information purposes only. You should check with a financial advisor before making any business, legal, or other decisions.

Do you want to be a second-act entrepreneur? My book might just be the answer. It’ll show you that it’s never too late to start your dream business. Check it out now!  Watch my TEDx talk here https://youtu.be/kZxFnEvcivs and learn how to pursue your passion regardless of your age Because… passion has no expiration date!

The post How to Start a Small Business in Retirement appeared first on Connie Inukai.

The post How to Start a Small Business in Retirement appeared first on Connie Inukai.

Connie Inukai Grandmapreneur

As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, Inukai speaks to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in retirement.

Retired from teaching Technical Writing at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University for four decades, Connie Inukai became an award-winning inventor at the age of 68.

Author of "How I got My Product on QVC, The Today Show, The View, and More...In Retirement", she helps others generate free publicity for their products.

She is the creator of Write Your Selfie®, where she inspires people to write their life stories in a fun and easy-to-read format.

Featured in Entrepreneur magazine, “6 Reasons to Pursue Entrepreneurship in Retirement,” Connie encourages Baby Boomers to have an active retirement through business or social entrepreneurship.
Because…

Passion has No Expiration Date!