Marie Mayor of Lavender Fields attends White House for launch of program to help seniors start new businesses

Marie Mayor of Lavender Fields farm in Coolspring was among business owners invited to the White House for the May 23 launch of a program to help people over age 50 start new businesses. The program, run by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the AARP, will provide online training and counseling. The goal is to help start or expand 100,000 small businesses.

"Thousands of people retire here in Sussex County every year, and many of them have experience they could translate into their own business," said Mayor, who started her successful farm business after retiring from a career in education. "This program could help people shape their ideas into a winning strategy, and show them financial and marketing tactics." Mayor currently is a candidate for the 20th District House of Representatives seat.

"Millions of Americans over 50 are discovering new possibilities and a new way of defining themselves," said Addison Barry Rand, AARP chief executive officer. For more information, go to www.sba.gov/training.