Aging Boomers lead startup growth

A study finds that the number of middle-aged Americans starting businesses is surging.

By Gary Stern, FSB Contributor

(FSB Magazine) -- Which Americans are leading the surge in entrepreneurship? Aging boomers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/cps/cpsaat15.pdf), the ranks of the self-employed aged 55 to 65 rose 33 percent in 2006; the number of self-employed 25- to 35-year-olds fell 2 percent.

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In a quarterly survey by outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas (challenger-gray.com) of its clients - mostly managers and executives - the number starting firms or turning to self-employment rose 29 percent in the first quarter of 2007 over the first three months of 2006. Of those, a staggering 88 percent were 40 and older.  Top of page

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Market indexes are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer LIBOR Warning: Neither BBA Enterprises Limited, nor the BBA LIBOR Contributor Banks, nor Reuters, can be held liable for any irregularity or inaccuracy of BBA LIBOR. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2012 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer The Dow Jones IndexesSM are proprietary to and distributed by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. All content of the Dow Jones IndexesSM © 2012 is proprietary to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Chicago Mercantile Association. The market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. Most stock quote data provided by BATS.