Do you dream of being your own boss? According to Fortune Small Business, 66% of respondents in a 2006 Yahoo Small Business and Harris Interactive survey said they wanted to start a company someday; 37% of those said they hoped to do so within the next five years.

Of those launching their own businesses, many aren't the typical 20- or 30-something entrepreneur. Older Americans--baby boomers--are the new entrepreneurs. Nearly half the country's self-employed workers--7.4 million--are boomers, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.

At a time when they're supposed to be slowing down, boomers are seeking self-employment for several reasons, as noted in USA Today:

• Corporate layoffs. Boomers would rather take the risk of owning a business than get forced into the job market after age 50.
   
• Shifting values. They want more flexible schedules to spend time with aging parents or on hobbies while easing into retirement.
   
• Aging population. The number of Americans age 50 and older will soar by 31 million by 2020, to 118 million, the Census Bureau predicts.
   
• Innovative technology. Many older entrepreneur start-ups are one-person ventures in home offices with a dizzying array of technology that either didn't exist or was too pricey 20 years ago.
   
• Business savvy. Boomers have the management skills and retirement benefits to invest in start-ups.

Experts say it's risky to launch a start-up at any age, but for older adults--especially those who finance their venture with savings and retirement funds--the stakes can be high. If the venture goes belly-up, there's less time to work and restore retirement savings. According to the Small Business Administration, 66% of new companies survive at least two years, but only 44% last four years.

Still, the business professionals at your credit union can help you develop a small-business plan and might be able to help with financing.