Tuesday, February 20th — 1pm-2:15pmEST
Small businesses—and the owner-entrepreneurs behind them—are the economic backbone of cities. These firms create jobs, local wealth, and more equitable communities. And, many entrepreneurs want to do more: we are finding in our research across the country that often small businesses have a desire grow, but face a range of barriers including reaching new customers, accessing capital, and planning for the future of the business.
How can service providers such as city agencies, community-based non-profits, and other organizations help? What programs exist to help firms expand their capacity, hire new employees, and reach new markets?
In this upcoming webinar, we will learn about Goldman Sachs’ “10,000 Small Businesses” —a nationwide program that provides participants with the necessary skills to grow and scale their business. We will highlight successful partnerships within cities that are creating pipelines into this technical assistance opportunity, where city agencies and local community organizations are acting as stewards for the program.
Speakers and topics will include:
- David LeBouef – 10,000 Small Businesses – Will give an overview of the program and speak to how they’re partnering with economic development practitioners to match businesses to the program
- Marla Hamilton – PIDC (Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation) – Will discuss how they partner with 10KSB’s local chapter to refer their clients to the 10KSB program
- Mary Vigeant – Sophicolor – Precision Textile Color – Will give the perspective of a manufacturer who has successfully completed the 10KSB program.
About 10,000 Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program provides business owners with the tools and support to take their small business to new heights. In professional workshops participants will learn from some of the brightest minds in business, learn about access to financial capital, and build a powerful network of professional support. Together with other entrepreneurs, small business owners make strong connections that will have an immediate impact on your business.
Businesses have the opportunity to participate in the 10,000 Small Businesses program through the National Cohort or a local program. If accepted, the program is offered at no cost. Tuition, accommodations, and reasonable travel expenses are covered by the program.
Revenues of the participating businesses grew after program completion, with 68.7% of participants reporting increased revenues six months after graduation, and 73.9% 18 months after completion. At six months after graduation from the program, 47.9% of participants report adding new jobs, increasing to 55.7% 18 months after the program.