DETROIT — The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Michigan District Office is seeking small business owners for its fourth round of the Emerging 200 Initiative. Detroit is one of only 27 cities across the country to participate in the e200 initiative which aims to help promising small businesses in underserved communities sustain and grow their businesses, providing training they use to succeed and create jobs.
“We’re pleased, along with our partners, to offer the Emerging 200 and its MBA-style program to Detroit,” said Gerald Moore, SBA Michigan District Director. “Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their communities. We hope eligible small businesses will take full advantage of this tremendous opportunity for Detroit-based businesses.
The past three graduating classes have found the experience to be very beneficial to their business development. “The structure of program, the opportunity to interact with other small businesses and the overall pace was outstanding. The program motivated and inspired us to look at our businesses with the “blinders” off. The investment in the time was well worth it. We have begun to reap the benefits and are confident we will continue to do so.” C. Denise Griffith, GS Group LLC, e200 2011 graduate.
Participation in e200 is free to qualifying businesses. Criteria for participation include having been in business for a minimum of three years, gross annual revenues of at least $400,000, and a business located within the city of Detroit. Participation is limited to 17 businesses. An orientation session for those interested in participating is scheduled on February 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at TechTown, 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202.
The six-month training includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant. It will focus on such topics as finance, market development, organization management, strategic planning and growth strategies. CEOs will also have an opportunity to connect with their peers, city leaders, and the financial community.
The following organizations are cosponsors of the e200 initiative:
- Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
- Detroit Regional Chamber
- Michigan Economic Development Corp.
- Michigan Minority Business Supplier Diversity Council
- Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
- TechTown
