SBA's Emerging Leaders Initiative Opens for Recruitment

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching the 2018 Emerging Leaders initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Recruitment for the 2018 training cycle is currently open in NH. Classes are scheduled to begin this spring with specific dates expected to begin in early April.  Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, and class schedules at the SBA’s Emerging Leaders website.
 
This is the third year Emerging Leaders has been made available in NH. “We’ve had two fantastic classes of exceptional business owners so far, and the Emerging Leaders graduates continue to meet, inspire and support each other.  We are looking forward to our 2018 class,” says district director Greta Johansson.
 
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 more than 5,000 small business owners, creating more than 6,500 jobs, generating more than $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,” says 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 interested in NH’s 2018 Emerging Leaders can register their interest at www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders. They may also reach out to SBA NH at 603-225-1400 or by email at Rachael.roderick@sba.gov.