South Texas small businesses are now eligible for the SBA’s 2019 Emerging Leaders Initiative. The program provides “no cost” intensive entrepreneurship education as well as training to those who want to elevate their businesses to the next level.
As an offering from the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, the course includes nearly 100 hours of classroom time. Participants also have opportunities to work with experienced coaches and mentors. Additionally, small business owners and executives can develop connections with their peers, local leaders and the financial community.
“This Mini-MBA training is exciting as it affords an opportunity for small business owners to work on their business instead of in their business,” says Angela Burton, Lower Rio Grande Valley District director. “Too often small business owners are caught up in the day-to-day operations and don’t build and plan for the future.”
Emerging Leaders is for those poised for growth in South Texas emerging markets. Recruitment for the 2019 training cohort is ongoing. Classes will begin in April at the Center for Innovation and Commercialization in Weslaco. There is a limit to registration.
To be eligible, program candidates must:
- Generate revenues between $250,000 and $10 million
- Have been in business for at least three years
- Have at least one employee besides the executive participant
- Attend 13 workshops and seven mentoring sessions (about 100 hours)
- Complete required coursework