The SBAannounced a new initiative to assist small businesses in 11 cities. Termed "Emerging 200," the program will focus on providing assistance to 200 small inner-city businesses with the potential for creating many new jobs. The cities targeted are: Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, New Orleans, Des Moines and Oakland.

“This innovative initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of companies that are poised for sustained expansion,” said SBA Administrator Steve Preston. “With the selection of these eleven cities, the Emerging 200 initiative will begin to prepare 200 high potential companies for their next phase of growth. It will attract and tap the power of these local entrepreneurs to transform their communities, grow wealth and increase the tax base in a real and lasting way.”

In another press release, the SBA announced that its successful Patriot Express Loan Initiative Pilot program has provided more than $100 million in guarantees to more than a thousand military service members, veterans, and spouses. With more than 773 lenders participating in the program, the SBA continues to offer "express" service to qualified individuals seeking business loans. For more information on the Patriot Express program, go to the SBA website.