March 2. The SBA is looking for 18-20 Charlotte-area business owners to apply for the next SBA Emerging Leaders class. The executive-level course training initiative is designed to give business owners a three-year, tailored strategic growth plan to help bring their business to the next level.

Executives must commit to approximately 100 hours of classroom and out-of-classroom work. Classes will meet virtually starting in mid-April and will meet virtually twice a month through October. Classes may convene in person toward the end of 2021.

And… it’s free.

Executives enrolled must be the owner of a business with annual revenues of $250,000 or more and at least one W-2 employee, as well as other requirements.

Gerald Carr, president of All-Pro Builders & Restorations Charlotte, said the program is like an MBA class for business owners.

“The interactions with other CEO leaders, mentors, and top industry experts are truly priceless,” said Carr. “It made me think outside the box and embrace the “real truth” about my business. The three-year growth plan developed during these sessions is a true, accurate, and executable roadmap for my business,” she said.

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.

Registration will close March 31.

Executives interested in registering for the SBA Charlotte Emerging Leaders Initiative can register online at: http://www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders.

More information about the program can be found at https://www.sba.gov/emergingleaders or call Eileen Joyce at 980-309-9869.