MIAMI - The SBA'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.

“We are excited the SBA has opened the recruitment window for small businesses to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program,” said Jonel Hein, deputy district director for the SBA’s South Florida District Office. “To afford an opportunity for as many small business owners to apply to the program, our office strategically hosted simultaneous classes over the past three years in both Miami and Tampa due to overwhelming popularity of our first class in Miami in 2014.”

“The South Florida District’s ability to yield consecutive years of success in the program resulted in our selection as one of four nationwide locations chosen to offer an Alumni experience to help foster an environment of partnership development through graduate-level networking,” added Hein.

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 Jonel Hein of the Miami District Office at 305-536-5521 ext. 147 or C.J. Castro of the Tampa Alternate Work Site at 813-228-2100 ext. 24.

For information on the program, click here.