BIRMINGHAM, AL – The U.S. Small Business Administration Alabama District Office announced that it is currently seeking applicants for the 2016 Emerging Leaders Program. The program curriculum is designed to assist small business owners with developing a strategic growth action plan that they can implement to grow their businesses. The curriculum involves thirteen (13) sessions over a seven-month period and includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors and to develop connections with their peers, city leaders and the financial community.

This initiative has trained more than 3,000 small business owners in underserved communities since its inception in 2008. Last year was the first for Alabama with thirteen business owners completing the program. A total of 51 cities throughout the United States are offering the program this year. Business owners from Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery participated.

The program is designed specifically for small business owners/CEOs of businesses that have been in operation at least 3 years, with employees and annual revenues of between $400,000 and $10 million. This initiative targets businesses in low-to-moderate income areas and those with minority, women, and veteran ownership. The objective is to help them take their enterprise to the next level, spurring business growth, job creation and stronger communities. There is no charge to the business owners who participate.

Nationwide graduates have reported that nearly 70 percent achieved revenue growth and over 80 percent created new jobs or retained all existing jobs. Graduates have secured federal, state, local and tribal contract awards totaling over $700 million.

Recruitment is underway for the 2016 training cycle. Information on how interested small business owners can apply and eligibility criteria can be found at: www.sba.gov/emergingleaders. Those business owners who indicate an interest in the program will be contacted by a representative from the District Office as a part of the application process.

# # #

PRESS RELEASE

Release Date:  February 16, 2016

Release Number: 16-04

Contact:  David V. Ramp 205-290-7393

Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/al