SBA launches program for Nashville companies

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a program in Nashville to support executives of small businesses in urban communities.

The Emerging Leaders Initiative training program is designed to support company growth and promote economic development through job creation. Participants meet with mentors, work through a business curriculum and develop relationships with city leaders and other executives during the seven-month program offered at no cost.

The program, available in 48 U.S. cities, has so far helped more than 2,000 small business owners, contributing to more than 1,940 new jobs and government contracts worth nearly $300 million, according to the administration. Companies in any industry with annual revenue exceeding $400,000 and with three years of operating experience are invited to participate, with 17 spots available for Nashville companies.

For recruitment, the administration partnered with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"In recent years Nashville has experienced an exponential growth of Hispanic owned businesses, approaching the 10 percent mark of businesses in the area, not only creating jobs but making a significant contribution to our local economy,” said Yuri Cunza, CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Applications will be accepted through March 13 and sessions begin in April. To sign up, visit http://www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders.

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.