There are nearly 32 million small businesses in the United States, about half of which are home-based. If you're a senior interested in launching a company, a home-based business is an excellent option. Along with providing flexibility, they don't typically require a lot of capital.

Plus, working from home may be ideal for seniors with mobility issues. Considering that 20 percent of seniors have mobility challenges, that's a point you should not overlook.

With the right preparation, seniors can launch incredibly successful home-based businesses. If you're thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, here's what you need to know.

Take the Time to Sharpen Your Business Skills

While it's tempting to jump right in and launch your company, it's usually best to spend some time sharpening your business skills if you didn't run a business before retirement. That way, you'l have a strong foundation, ensuring you can successfully navigate the steps involved.

As a home-based business owner, you'll need to be ready for the financial responsibilities. Expense tracking, paying taxes, and invoicing aren't always easy to manage. Plus, you may need inventory management knowledge, resource planning expertise, and customer relationship management experience to ensure you thrive.

If you need to sharpen your business skills, consider enrolling in an online MBA program. You'll expand your knowledge in key areas, including strategy, management, and more. Plus, you'll learn about leadership and self-assessment, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind

As a senior, there's a good chance you don't want to spend 40+ hours per week focused on your home-based business. Instead, you probably prefer finding the right work-life balance, ensuring you can bring in some income while still enjoying your golden years. If that's the case, you'll want to pick a home-based business that won't take over your entire life.

Precisely what that looks like may depend on your skillset and the kind of work you'd like to do. If you're not opposed to spending your working hours at a computer, multiple freelancing options could serve as starting points. For example, you could become a freelance consultant, offering your expertise from your previous career to other businesses.

If you'd rather make something and are a bit crafty, you could sell your creations online. If you want to remain active, launching a dog walking service could be a wise move.

Take your preferences and interests into account. That way, you can find an option that keeps you engaged, brings in a steady income, and provides you with the flexibility you need to thrive.

Get Ready to Market Your Company

Generally speaking, marketing will be an essential part of the equation. What you need to do may depend on the type of business you run. If you're planning on freelancing, you can market yourself on online job platforms. You can set up profiles outlining your services, upload samples to showcase your expertise, and set pricing.

Launching a website is a wise move for any business. Couple that with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) best practices and you can generate interest and connect with customers.

Similarly, marketing through social media is an effective strategy. Sign up on platforms that work best for your company type. In many cases, Facebook is a solid starting point. Beyond that, you may want to venture into Instagram if your offerings are highly visual, such as custom-made products. YouTube can also be worthwhile if you'd benefit from video marketing.

By focusing on those areas first, you can get a solid foundation. Then, as your company grows, you can branch out if needed, ensuring you can secure the customers you need to succeed.

If you're a senior not ready to retire full-time, starting a home business could be a terrific opportunity. Use the tips above to achieve your goals and become a successful entrepreneur.

A special thank you to Dan Hall at dadschange.com for contributing this article.