“I used computers while working in finance, but it wasn’t nearly the same thing. There were times when I felt like I was never going to learn how to use the embroidery software,” says Ms. Forman. “Luckily, I had access to free resources from the company I purchased my equipment from. They walked me through the technology, step-by-step, and were on hand at any time to answer even the most basic questions.”

According to the Census Bureau’s ongoing Current Population Survey, self-employed business owners like Ms. Forman have higher household incomes and wealth than do standard wage earners.

“It’s always a challenge for seniors, or anyone for that matter, to find a trustworthy business that will provide them the support they need while mitigating risk,” says Paul Gallagher, CEO of Hirsch International, the leading provider of advanced embroidery, screen-printing, and textile laser systems and services to the North American decorated apparel marketplace. The Suffolk, New York-based-company has helped many people like Ms. Forman successfully start their own businesses with their unique training and support programs.

Gallagher explains that training is the key to any new business start-up. Hirsch prides itself on being a veritable business consultant, hosting over three hundred educational seminar events each year, educating new customers on how to start their own businesses, and advising existing users how to grow their current businesses. In addition, Hirsch boasts twenty-five sales and support offices and thirteen state-of-the-art training centers around the country, including onsite product training with each equipment purchase.

“The speed of technology may seem a bit intimidating for seniors,” says Ms. Forman. “However, I believe that with the right support, age proves no barrier when it comes to starting a new business.”

For more information, please visit www.hirschinternational.com.

There are many resources dedicated to helping entrepreneurs of all ages succeed. However, a new trend in business is to employ the resources of suppliers – usually much larger companies – to create long-standing and mutually beneficial relationships with small business owners.

“We have seen many people, from very different demographics, that have the passion and the drive to grow their business. They crave more information and want to keep up with the latest trends, yet this task can be overwhelming,” says Mike McEvoy, VP of Marketing and Sales for Hirsch International Corp., a New York-based company that is the leading provider of commercial embroidery, screen printing, digital direct-to-garment, and textile laser systems in North America.

“This investment is a demonstration of INVISTA's commitment to bring innovation into existing markets and to seek value-adding offerings for new markets,” said Jeff Brown, vice president of INVISTA Performance Materials Nylon.

INVISTA believes that advances in technology and engineering of nylon 6,6 and modified nylon products will lead to the development of differentiated new products, offering valuable solutions in existing and new markets. Already a world leader in high-performance nylon fiber production, INVISTA’s Performance Surfaces and Materials business will use the new facility to continue in the direction of next-generation nylon technology.

“Waste reduction and efficiency improvements in our operations are important elements in our continued goal to conserve resources and enhance environmental stewardship,” said Brown. “This investment will not only be capable of generating step change innovation in new products, it will also be used to improve the output and yields of existing processes.”

INVISTA’s Performance Surfaces and Materials business provides innovative solutions for INVISTA’s global surface-focused segments including residential, commercial, area rugs, bedding, sheets, pillows and comforters; its automotive-focused segments such as airbags and automotive flooring; and its industrial nylon offerings. Consumer brands brought to market include STAINMASTER^® carpet, ANTRON^® carpet fiber and CORDURA^® fabric.