Get ready world, here comes the next huge wave of business start-ups that is fully expected to exceed the impact of the dot.com phenomenon! Twenty-somethings move over. Baby Boomers here we come!

A significant and sizable portion of our population, born between 1946 and 1966, is getting ready to take a serious look at their impending retirements. What many are seeing is a less than promising future. The question of whether or not there will be enough social security funds to support this very large group of Americans continues. The idea of being able to live out their golden years under the safety net of social security is longer a sure thing. With such a gloomy outlook on their retirement years, Baby Boomers and other retirees are wisely taking a serious look at starting their own small businesses as a supplement or replacement (if need be) to social security funds.

While there may be a good number of Baby Boomers that planned well ahead and dutifully set up their 401k’s, there are a great many that will not be able to retire at the traditional age of 65 (much less retire early). They may have lost a significant chunk of their funds with the dot.com bust or after 9/11 or due to mega corporations “dissolving” their pension plans.

As such, Baby Boomers will be looking within and opting to start their own small businesses to make up for their less than adequate retirement accounts.

No doubt many Boomers will want to continue working well past 65 anyway. They will be healthier and likely to live longer than past generations. They will have options available to them that previous retirees never had. They will be able to create their own Internet businesses and work from home.

Corporate downsizing has produced a great number of older workers with tremendous experience being forced to take lower paying jobs. As that group of employees leaves the work force, those same companies now filled with younger, less experienced, less motivated employees, will be looking to outsource and find consultants to fill the gap. That is where Boomers will find another niche to fill.

If you are a Baby Boomer, or already a retiree, now is the perfect time to start planning and creating your own small business. Your options are numerous. But with an Internet business your start up costs are minimal and you can start such a business “on the side”. You can be growing your new business while still employed.

If you are leaning towards a brick and mortar type business, be aware that the costs can be substantial. If you have funds available or can obtain funding, then more power to you. Be careful not to jump into business ownership before you are fully prepared. Write your business plan so you know exactly what you are facing. If you find that you will need a loan to supplement your own funds then the business plan will be an absolute necessity.

Is this idea of starting your own small business after you leave the workforce new to you? Is the idea an exciting and promising option? Then you will want to learn more and look into the various types of businesses you might find interesting and viable. Where will you find more information? See the resource box or section that accompanies this article. Check out the website where you will find ideas and sources to get you on the road to a smoother and more comfortable retirement.