More than five million Americans age 55 or older run their own businesses or are otherwise self-employed, according to the Small Business Administration. And the number of self-employed people ages 55 to 64 is soaring, the agency says, climbing 52 percent from 2000 to 2007.

But Howard Stone, an author of “Too Young to Retire,” warns that starting and maintaining a business can be emotionally grueling because it can mean lots of rejection in struggling to get clients and customers. He says new entrepreneurs need to retain their confidence and know how to present themselves.

Additionally I would add these entrepreneurs need education to know and understand the resourses available to small businesses. They also need mentorship and support to capitalize on their lifetime of knowledge, skills and networking.

The purpose of Over 50 Entrepreneurs is to provide that education, support and mentorship in a collaborative, sharing network of like-minded individuals.

If you are currently over 50 (or approaching at age) and have a small business you started post-retirement or are considering the possibility, this group is for you.