The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Program Announcement No.

GCBD-2008-01 to eligible organizations to apply for funding to develop and deliver a national curriculum in support of SBA’s Emerging 200 initiative.

Successful applicants will receive awards under cooperative

credit: Flickr

How's Your Community Doing?
Check Out it's
Community Vital Signs

agreements for one year plus 4 optional years, subject to continued authorization and funding, to provide business training, counseling, mentoring and other technical assistance to small businesses in 11 designated cities.The goal of the SBA Emerging 200 initiative is to identify approximately 200 inner-city businesses across the country that show a high potential for growth—and to provide them the network, resources and motivation required to build a sustainable business of size and scale within a designated inner-city geographic location.The SBA Emerging 200 initiative will enable the participating small businesses to engage in an intensive curriculum focused on developing a winning, expansion strategy for their business, including options for capital access and contracting.

Participants also will have the opportunity to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial community.

Questions about this program announcement should be directed to the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development at e200@sba.gov.

Questions about budget or funding matters should be directed to Division of Procurement & Grants Management via e-mail at electronic.grants@sba.gov.