WASHINGTON — The Small Business Administration today announced the selection of 11 cities to participate in the Emerging 200 initiative, a jobs and growth stimulation effort targeting promising inner-city small businesses.

The designated cities where the program will begin are Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, N.M., New Orleans, Des Moines, Iowa and Oakland, Calif.

The SBA Emerging 200 initiative will enable entrepreneurs from the 200 “high potential” companies to participate in an intensive and comprehensive curriculum focused on developing winning, local strategies and attracting capital to fuel growth, according to the agency. Participants will also work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with banks, credit unions and the private equity community.

The Emerging 200 initiative will have its official unveiling in each of the pilot cities at a series of local launch events to be scheduled in late March and early April.