This post comes via Monica Dolezal of BIZSTARTS. The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced it will be continuing its successful Emerging 200 Initiative in Des Moines.

For the last three years, Des Moines has been selected as one of a limited number of cities nationwide to participate in the SBA’s Emerging 200 Initiative (e200). The goal of e200 is to identify 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.

 

Based on the success of the initiative in Des Moines in 2008, 2009, and 2010, SBA will offer the program again beginning in April. However this year, again, SBA will be expanding the program boundaries to include the entire city of Des Moines.

 

The cornerstone of the e200 initiative is an in-depth educational program running approximately 80-100 hours, April through mid-November every other Thursday evening. It will focus on topics such as organization management, finance, growth strategies and management, and market development, resulting in a 3 year growth plan.

 

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.

 

For more information on the program, contact the SBA in Des Moines at (515) 284-4522 or at thomas.lentell@sba.gov. Or you can contact the instructor, Monica Dolezal, BIZSTARTS, LLC at 515-229-2345 or monica@bizstarts.biz.