What will I gain from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program?

The program has three main components:

• Practical Business and Management Education.  The educational curriculum focuses on skills that can immediately be applied by business owners including accounting, negotiating, marketing, human resources management and much more. The education program culminates in the development of a detailed growth plan required of each participant in order to graduate. It features a high degree of interaction and peer learning, taught in a collaborative setting. The program is delivered at no cost to participants.
• A Supportive Network of Advisors and Peers. Small business owners often face challenges finding networking opportunities and expert advice. The initiative provides valuable opportunities for peer networking and professional support through partnerships with national and local business organizations, professional services firms and the people of Goldman Sachs. 80% of alumni collaborate with one another after graduating.
• Access to Capital. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has committed $300 million through a combination of lending and philanthropic support to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The investment will increase the amount of growth capital available to small businesses in underserved communities and expand the capacity of CDFIs to deliver financing and technical assistance to small businesses.

What is the cost of the program?

• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a scholarship program, and is at no cost to the business owner regardless of your participation at a local site or the National Cohort at Babson College. If you are participating in the National Cohort at Babson College all flights, accommodations, and food are completely covered during your stay at Babson College.

Which Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program location should I apply for?

• If you are located within a 2 – 3 hour driving distance to one of our local sites, found here, apply to that site. If you are not within 2 -3 hours driving distance to a local site, please apply to the national program. If you are applying to the national program please select “Other Region/National Cohort at Babson College”. Be careful when selecting the appropriate program location on your application.