2015 SBA Emerging Leaders Program to start in April – apply today

By Aless Garvey Wichita’s future gets a little brighter with every small business leader that graduates from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Emerging Leaders Program. The Emerging Leaders Program is provided to only 27 cities across the United States and promises to deliver small businesses with the organizational framework, resource network, and motivation required to build sustainable businesses and promote the economic development within urban communities – all at no monetary cost to participants. Over the course of 26 weeks, participants develop a three-year growth plan that has been assessed by peers and business experts based on their individual business’ situation and goals. In addition, the participants will have access to a network of peers and business leaders who can continue to provide support and accountability as the growth plan is implemented. 2014 was the first year that the program was offered in Wichita, and 15 Wichita-area business professionals graduated in October, including these four Chamber members:

• Candace Cottner of Global Aviation Technologies, LLC
• Blane Wood of GSI Engineering, LLC
• Dan Reisig of Concergent IT, LLC
• Kim McIntosh of Xenon International Academy (now Crave Beauty Academy)

McIntosh says that she was thrilled with the program and believes she gained valuable knowledge from not only the instructors, but also from the experience of her group members. Throughout the program, she gained the confidence to move forward with her plans to transition Xenon International Academy to Crave Beauty Academy. “The curriculum was very well-rounded and I would encourage other small businesses to apply.” The 2015 session is scheduled to begin in April. Those interested in participating are invited to attend a free, one-hour informational session on Feb. 13. Applications are due Feb. 28. The program accepts the leaders of any type of business that meet these criteria:

• An established business (in existence for at least 3 years)
• Annual revenues between $400,000 and $10 million
• Have 3 or more employees (recommended)
• Time commitment of the business owner, or executive "decision-maker", to dedicate themselves to attend all 13 classes and develop a strategic growth plan (a 100+ hour commitment).

For more information or to apply, please view the SBA newsletter or visit the SBA website.