This student handbook was designed for a course which offers people aged 55 and older guidance in starting and operating a small business. Following introductory remarks concerning small businesses, information and assignment sheets related to each of the course's basic units are presented. Course units include the following: (1) Small Business Today, designed to acquaint the student with the nature of small business and the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur; (2) The Business Plan, devoted to understanding the elements of plan development; (3) Marketing, with information concerning market research and the development of a marketing plan; (4) Site Location; (5) Advertising; (6) Financial Management, with assistance in identifying the elements of an accounting system, analysis of financial statements, and budget preparation; (7) Management; (8) Legal Aspects of three forms of businesses (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation), with information on rules about contracts and liabilities; (9) Insurance; (10) Taxes, designed to familiarize the student with federal, state, and local tax obligations; (11) Buying or Starting a Small Business; and (12) Raising Capital. Appendices include a bibliography, a community resource list, and a list of selected readings. (LAL)