Are you retired and/or age 50 or older and thinking about starting a business or even buying a business or licensee opportunity, distributorship or small franchise of your own? Well, you’re far from alone. In fact, if and when you take that step, you’ll be among thousands of ambitious, like-minded and similarly seasoned individuals across the country who collectively are making such a large impact that they even have their own proud title—they’re today’s “encore entrepreneurs.”

Recognizing this growing trend and in an effort to encourage and support older aspiring business owners in particular, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and AARP are joining forces to host the first annual National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day on October 2, 2012. It’s a day dedicated to matching prospective entrepreneurs aged 50 and older with successful business owners and community leaders who are ready and willing to offer their advice and assistance, free of charge.

Events across the country will offer the 50-plus entrepreneurial set five-minute speed mentoring and other networking opportunities, among other things. More specifically, those individuals who are looking to create a stellar second, or third or even fourth act will be matched with the most appropriate mentors from a host of outstanding organizations, including SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE (consultants to America’s small business owners) chapters nationwide.

Encore entrepreneurs, this is your day to get the help you need, and it won’t cost you a thing!