SBA Emerging 200 Program Targets Native American

Release Date: February 25, 2010
Contact: Darlene Robbins at darlene.robbins@sba.gov

Seattle – SBA Seattle announced today that it will expand the Emerging 200 (e200) Initiative, an executive-level training program for small business owners, to include Native American business owners. Classes commence in April 2010. For information and/or application contact Darlene Robbins at darlene.robbins@sba.gov.


“The e200 initiative will enable top Native American executives to participate in an intensive and comprehensive curriculum. The focus will be on developing growth strategies (3-5 year plans, new markets), accessing new capital to fuel growth, mentoring and other training to target potential contracts in the local and federal government arena. This initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of companies that are poised for sustained expansion,” said SBA Seattle District Director Nancy Porzio.

“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,” said Regional Administrator Calvin Goings. 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, 2009 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, the e200 initiative 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.

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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.