Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the recognition of the 2023 T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined cohort winners in Seattle and North Metro Puerto Rico. Guzman emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting small businesses through initiatives like the T.H.R.I.V.E. program, stating, "T.H.R.I.V.E. trainers play a crucial role in developing a robust network of trusted advisors and peer support networks across the country."

The T.H.R.I.V.E. program, which stands for Train. Hope. Rise. Innovate. Venture. Elevate, is designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses in the United States. This year, the SBA dedicated awards during National Small Business Week to recognize outstanding T.H.R.I.V.E. cohorts that reflect their local communities' diverse, dynamic, and high-potential small business landscape.

Both the North Metro Puerto Rico and Seattle cohorts from the 2023 T.H.R.I.V.E. program succeeded in recruiting and graduating business owners with various attributes, including business age, gender distribution, socioeconomic certifications, and revenue generation. The businesses represented a range of characteristics such as time as owners, women's representation, socioeconomic certifications, business age, full-time employees, revenue, and goals.

The T.H.R.I.V.E. website provides more information on the program, while those interested in National Small Business Week can visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.

In the spirit of National Small Business Week, the SBA celebrates the growth of entrepreneurship in the United States since the Biden-Harris Administration took office. The surge in new business applications underscores the dynamism and innovation that entrepreneurs bring to local communities. The SBA will continue to support small businesses and their role in driving economic prosperity across the nation.

SCORE, a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the SBA, provides education and mentorship to entrepreneurs to help small businesses succeed and achieve their goals. The U.S. Small Business Administration serves as a go-to resource for small businesses, empowering entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to start, grow, expand, or recover from disasters.