Growing Des Moines businesses may want to consider a six month program offered by the Small Business Administration called the Emerging 200 (e200) Initiative.  Locally the course is taught by Monica Dolezal of Bizstarts.  The program begins in April.

The goal of e200 is to identify 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 within a designated inner-city geographic location.

The cornerstone of the e200 initiative is an in-depth educational program running approximately 80-100 hours, to be held two half-days per month from April through October, 2010. It will focus on topics such as organization management, finance, growth strategies and management, market development, and strategic planning.  Small business executives in the e200 Initiative participate in an intensive and comprehensive program, draw from each other’s experiences and expertise, develop connections with local capital providers, and complete a growth plan by the end of the program.

Participation in e200 is free to qualifying businesses. Criteria for participation includes having been in business for a minimum of three years, $400,000 or more in gross annual revenues, and a business location within the City of Des Moines. Participation will be limited to only 15 businesses in Des Moines and 200 businesses nationwide.

For more information contact Monica Dolezal of Bizstarts at 515-229-2345 or the local Des Moines SBA office at 515-284-4522.