The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it will expand the Emerging 200 (e200), an executive-level training initiative for small business owners, in 2010.
The initiative will continue in 10 cities* that have participated in the past, and expand into 12 communities** with an emphasis on Native American business owners.
The nine-month training includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial community.
Commenting on the initiative, SBA Administrator Karen Mills said: “Over the last few years e200 has been a catalyst for expanding opportunities for many promising small businesses in underserved communities – in particular those who have been most impacted by these tough economic times.
“Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their communities. SBA’s commitment to not only continue, but expand the program, will build on this success and provide even more entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the support, resources and skills to succeed”.
Cities
Jacksonville, Fla., Dallas, Texas, Atlanta, Ga., Des Moines, Iowa, Boston, Mass., Baltimore, Md., Detroit, Mich., Philadelphia, Pa., Memphis, Tenn., Chicago, Ill.
Communities
Denver, Colo., Albuquerque, N.M., Gallup, N.M., Portland, Ore., Milwaukee, Wis., Tucson, Ariz., Phoenix, Ariz., Oklahoma City, Okla., Tulsa, Okla., Santa Ana, Calif., Seattle, Wash., New Orleans, La.
FinSMEs
13/11/2009