SBA Emerging 200

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SBA business plans

The SBA has been looking for the small businesses that will lead inner city development. The goal of the SBA Emerging 200 initiative is to identify 200 inner-city businesses across the country that show a high potential for growth—and to provide them the network, resources and motivation required to build a sustainable business of size and scale within a designated inner-city geographic location.

SBA is increasing outreach to areas historically challenged by high levels of unemployment and poverty. Bolstering entrepreneurial success in these areas will generate new jobs, attract investment, and provide a more sustainable economic base in distressed areas. Current efforts also include a program to improve access to credit to small businesses located in rural areas. The SBA Emerging 200 initiative will enable the participating small businesses to engage in an intensive curriculum focused on developing a winning, expansion strategy for their business, including options for capital access and contracting. Participants also will have the opportunity to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial community.

If you should have a business -- or potential business- that might affect the inner city development in the following areas, contact your local SBA office to find out more. Many areas already have a "graduating group" and are now searching for the next group of potential businesses.

• Denver, CO (SBA Colorado District Office)
• Jacksonville, FL (SBA Jacksonville District Office)
• Atlanta, GA (SBA Georgia District Office)
• Des Moines, IA (SBA Des Moines District Office)
• Chicago, Il (SBA Illinois District Office)
• New Orleans, LA (SBA Louisiana District Office)
• Boston, MA (SBA Boston District Office)
• Baltimore, MD (SBA Maryland District Office)
• Detroit, MI (SBA Michigan District Office)
• Albuquerque, NM (SBA Albuquerque District Office)
• Portland, OR (SBA Oregon District Office)
• Philadelphia, PA (SBA Philadelphia District Office)
• Memphis, TN (SBA Tennessee District Office)
• Dallas, TX (SBA Dallas / Fort Worth District Office)
• Milwaukee, WI (SBA Wisconsin District Office)