SBA Expands `e200` Initiative to More Cities, Adds Focus on Native American Business Owners

Mills: Initiative has been catalyst for expanding opportunities for promising
small business owners in underserved communities

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
TheU.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it will expand the
Emerging 200 (e200), an executive-level training initiative for small business
owners, in 2010. The initiative will continue in 10 cities that have
participated in the past, and expand into 12 communities with an emphasis on
Native American business owners.

"Over the last few years e200 has been a catalyst for expanding opportunities
for many promising small businesses in underserved communities - in particular
those who have been most impacted by these tough economic times," SBA
Administrator Karen Mills said. "Graduates of the program have increased their
revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their
communities. SBA`s commitment to not only continue, but expand the program, will
build on this success and provide even more entrepreneurs in underserved
communities with the support, resources and skills to succeed."

The expansion of e200 to Native American communities coincides with the
President`s appearance before Tribal Leaders on November 5th in Washington, DC,
during which he promised that the Administration would work with the Native
American community to build economic prosperity. As the President acknowledged
that some of the reservations face unemployment of up to 80 percent and roughly
a quarter of all Native Americans live in poverty, he stated his commitment to
being "full partners in the American economy … so [their] children and …
grandchildren can have an equal shot at pursuing the American Dream." The
expansion of e200 is part of the Administration`s pledge to achieve these goals.

Since its inception,e200 has identified business owners across the country who
show a high potential for growth in underserved markets-and provided them with
the training, networking, resources and motivation required to expand operations
and create jobs.

To date, more than half of the businesses that participated in e200 have seen an
increase in revenue, and nearly two-thirds have created new jobs. Entrepreneurs
who have completed the training have secured over $9 million in new financing
for their businesses. Increased confidence in applying for government contracts
among trainees has resulted in over $1.3 million awarded to participating small
businesses.

The nine-month training includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per
participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with
experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers,
city leaders, and financial community.

For a full list of cities hosting the e200 initiative in 2010 please see below:

Urban Markets

* Jacksonville, Fla.
* Dallas, Texas
* Atlanta, Ga.
* Des Moines, Iowa
* Boston, Mass.
* Baltimore, Md.
* Detroit, Mich.
* Philadelphia, Pa.
* Memphis, Tenn.
* Chicago, Ill.

Native American Communities

* Denver, Colo.
* Albuquerque, N.M.
* Gallup, N.M.
* Portland, Ore.
* Milwaukee, Wis.
* Tucson, Ariz.
* Phoenix, Ariz.
* Oklahoma City, Okla.
* Tulsa, Okla.
* Santa Ana, Calif.
* Seattle, Wash.
* New Orleans, La.

In the coming weeks, e200 will graduate its third class across the country. For
more information about upcoming graduation ceremonies in your community, please
visit www.sba.gov or contact your local SBA District office.

Release Number: 09-79

U.S. Small Business Administration
Dennis Byrne, 202-205-6567
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Copyright Business Wire 2009