SBA's Emerging Leaders Initiative to Help Growing Entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the 2018 Emerging Leaders initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets.  Local area recruitment for the 2018 training cycle is currently ongoing at designated SBA District Offices.  Classes are scheduled to begin this spring with specific dates differing by location.  Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, and class schedules at the SBA's Emerging Leaders website.

The Small Business Administration's Emerging Leaders initiative provides free entrepreneurship education and training for executives of small, poised-for-growth companies that are potential job creators.  This intensive executive entrepreneurship series includes nearly 100 hours of classroom time.  It also provides opportunities for small business owners to work with experienced coaches and mentors, attend workshops, and develop connections with their peers, local leaders, and the financial community.

Since its inception in 2008, the SBA's Emerging Leaders Initiative has trained over 5,000 small business owners, creating over 6,500 jobs, generating over $300 million in new financing, and securing over $3.16 billion in government contracts. 

"Given the success of SBA's Emerging Leaders, we have expanded the initiative to include a total of 60 locations to help growing entrepreneurs in emerging markets," said Allen Gutierrez, associate administrator of the SBA's Office of Entrepreneurial Development.  "I am excited for the positive economic impact that each of this year's Emerging Leaders participants will make when using this training to take their business to the next level."

Business Executives who want to join the 2018 Emerging Leaders can find locations online at www.sba.gov/emergingleaders, or by contacting your local SBA district office.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and is a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.  The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.  Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. To learn more about SBA, visit www.sba.gov.

Release Number: 18-07

Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news
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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration