Take Your Business to the Next Level with the e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District Office is now accepting applications for the e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative, a federal training initiative that specifically focuses on executives of businesses poised for growth in historically challenged communities. The initiative provides these executives with the organizational framework, resource network, and motivation required to build sustainable businesses and promote the economic development within their communities.
At the end of this *free* 100-hour, seven-month program (April to November 2013), participants will have a three-year growth action plan, a diverse network of business owners and experts, and practical tools that can be immediately applied to their business during the program. The e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative also provides an opportunity for business owners to set aside time to work on their business rather than in their business.
Since its inception in 2008, the e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative has been a catalyst for expanding opportunities for 1,300 urban and Native American small business owners. Surveyed participants reported the following:
- 67 percent had an increase in revenue
- 75 percent maintained or created new jobs in their communities
- More than $26 million in new financing for their businesses was secured
- Nearly half secured federal, state and local contracts worth more than $330 million
The e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative advanced training series in Seattle will have a focus on Native American business owners. However, the program is open to small business owners and executives whose business meets the following requirements:
- Annual revenues of at least $300,000
- Been in business for at least three years
- Have at least one employee, other than self
The Emerging Leaders Initiative is based on available funding and currently hosted in the following cities:
| Albuquerque, NM | Detroit, MI | Memphis, TN | Portland, OR |
| Atlanta, GA | Farmington, NM | Milwaukee WI | Seattle, WA |
| Baltimore, MD | Fresno, CA | Minneapolis, MN | St. Louis, MO |
| Boston, MA | Helena, MT | New Orleans, LA | Syracuse, NY |
| Chicago, IL | Honolulu, HI | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
| Dallas, TX | Jacksonville, FL | Philadelphia, PA | Youngstown, OH |
| Denver, CO | Los Angeles, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
Those interested in participating in the e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative in Seattle should complete the online registration form by Friday, March 22.
For more information about the e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative, visit www.sba.gov/EmergingLeaders.
Contact
For Seattle area businesses: Melanie Forthun at melanie.forthun@sba.gov and 206.553.7082.
For Portland area businesses:Yuri Yoshida Dyson at Yuri.Dyson@sba.gov 503-326-6692