The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched an executive training series in 48 cities and communities across the country. 

The “Emerging Leaders” initiative has trained more than 2,400 small business owners in underserved communities. Graduates have secured more than $1 billion in government contracts and accessed $73 million in new financing.  Graduates also reported having created nearly 2,000 new full-time jobs since the program’s inception.  Sixty-two percent of surveyed participants reported an increase in revenue while 70 percent of those surveyed reported maintaining or creating new jobs in their communities.  The initiative graduated nearly 400 small business owners in 2014, representing the largest graduating class since it began in 2008.

 Boston is one of the 48 cities involved in the program. This year, it will be joined by Providence, R.I., along with 21 other newly added sites. .

“The Emerging Leaders Program is a resource that can open lucrative doors for America’s small businesses,” SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said in a statement.  “The addition of over 20 new cities in 2015 will help serve even more entrepreneurs.  Graduates of the initiative have measurably increased their revenue, and helped create jobs and drive economic growth in their local communities.” 

The seven-month executive intensive entrepreneurship education series includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and financial communities.

Local recruitment for the 2015 training cycle is underway at selected SBA district offices, and classes are scheduled to begin in April. Information on how interested small business owners can apply and eligibility criteria can be found on the SBA’s website.