17 Miami-Dade Business Executives Sought by SBA South Florida District for Growth and Expansion

MIAMI – U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Florida District is seeking 17 Miami-Dade business executives to register for their SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative that will give them a three-year, tailored strategic growth plan to help bring their business to the next level.

“Miami-Dade was selected to be part of SBA’s Emerging Leaders initiative for a second year; a federal training initiative that focuses on business executives poised for growth in historically challenged communities,” said SBA South Florida District Director Francisco “Pancho” Marrero.  “Last year was the inaugural year for Miami-Dade’s Emerging Leaders program.  This initiative will provide executives from 17 Miami-Dade businesses with the organizational framework, resource network, and motivation required to build sustainable businesses and promote the economic development within the county.”

While the executive-level course is free for businesses accepted into the program, executives must commit to approximately 100 hours of classroom and out-of-classroom work.  The first class meets Apr. 14 and will meet on alternating Tuesday nights through October.

“SBA is partnering with Florida International University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to hold the evening classes in their FIU Downtown on Brickell Center at 1101 Brickell Ave., Miami,” said Marreo.  “Classes will run from 6-9 pm.”

The Emerging Leaders initiative targets specific business owners.  Executives interested in the program should be the owner or principal in the small business that has annual revenues of at least $400,000; been in business for at least 3 years; and have at least one employee other than himself.  More importantly, the executive must be dedicated to attend 13 evening training sessions and complete required homework.

The curriculum called the StreetWise Steps™ to Small Business Growth, is comprised of five modules: Business and Strategy Assessment; Financials; Marketing and Sales;  Resources (People, Accessing Capital and Government Contracting); and Strategic Growth Plan Presentations.

“Small business owners and interested in the program can register now.  Registration will close March 20.  SBA South Florida district will make the final selection from qualified executives,” said Marrero.

Executives interested in registering for the SBA South Florida Emerging Leaders Initiative can register online.