The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launches its distinguished Emerging Leaders Program at no charge to the small businesses in West Virginia.  The program has been described by participants as a “mini-MBA” program with convenient evening classes in Fairmont.  The class meets bi-monthly starting in April, with graduation in November. The goal of the program is to help established businesses gain new momentum in revenue growth.

 

Since its inception in 2008, the Emerging Leaders program has been a proven catalyst for job creation and business growth for small businesses across America. Sixty-seven percent of participants we’ve surveyed have reported an increase in revenue after completing the course and 75 percent reported maintaining or creating new jobs in their communities.

 

“This is a great opportunity for West Virginia small businesses to develop a comprehensive growth plan for their business,” states Karen Friel, West Virginia District Director for the SBA. “Emerging Leaders has a proven track record of helping small businesses. Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth within their communities.”

 

To be considered for the 2018 West Virginia Emerging Leaders Class, applicants must possess the following: have been in business for at least three years, have one additional employee besides self and have annual revenues of at least $400,000. Participants must be willing to commit to more than 100 hours of free, professional training, networking and peer-to-peer counseling delivered over seven months, apply, and be accepted at http://www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders.

 

The Emerging Leaders online application portal closes on March 1, 2018. For additional information, contact Program Manager Larry Batten at 304-623-7447 or by email at: larry.batten@sba.gov.