SmallBusinessNewz

Eleven cities around the United States have been selected to participate in an initiative from the Small Business Administration to accelerate job growth and the expansion of small businesses.

Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, New Orleans, Des Moines and Oakland have been selected and will each have their own official unveilings later this month and early next month.

When describing the initiative in a speech back in November at the ICCC Annual Event, SBA Administrator Steve Preston said, "These companies would be run through an intensive curriculum that will include technical assistance and mentorship, with a focus on growth strategies and pursuing growth capital."

"Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to be paired with mentors and to attend workshops and develop connections with banks and the private equity community," he added.

In case you were wondering, the "200" in the Emerging 200 comes from the concept that 200 inner-city businesses will be selected from the above 11 cities to participate in the program.

Details around the city selection process are hazy. The SBA simply said that these cities "show potential". It is unclear to me why these particular cities have more potential than others around the country, and if anyone has any insight into this, please share.

The SBA did originally plan to include only 10 cities though, so I guess they were feeling generous when they picked an extra one. Either way, the initiative will hopefully be a welcome boost for the lucky cities.

The SBA says that the growth of small businesses in underserved markets is one of its prime focuses.