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Program Update

Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses

ICIC is the proud national outreach and selection partner of Goldman Sachs on their innovative and influential 10,000 Small Businesses initiative – a role we’ve played since its launch in 2009.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to business education, support services and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Through the tuition-free program, participants gain practical skills across topics like financial statements, negotiations, marketing, and management, and receive the tools to develop an actionable growth plan for their business with the support of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. The program’s curriculum was designed in partnership with Babson College which administers the education program along with academic institutions across the country.

In December 2020, Goldman Sachs announced that it had funded the 10,000 Small Businesses program with an additional $250 million investment, which will ensure the program can reach another 10,000 entrepreneurs with the training and support they need to realize opportunities for growth.

Impact to Date

10,000 +

Small businesses served from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico

47%

Of graduates have have hired additional employees, 6 months after graduation

86%

Of alumni do business
with other alumni

66%

Of graduates have increased their revenue,
6 months after graduation

97%

Of participants complete the program

67%

Of alumni mentor other businesses

Read more about the impact of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program »

Alumni Spotlight

“Business ownership is a tough deal… it is just tough. The 10KSB program just nailed it, from cash flow to programs… Working right there alongside you, putting your numbers in. Learning about forecasting [was] absolutely invaluable.”

Jenny Steffensmeier

Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing
Pilot Grove, Iowa

“Everything is happening so fast since completing the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. It’s time to grow… I love waking up, thinking about the business, thinking about what am I doing, what’s my next step?”

Robin Holmes

Deddle’s Donuts
Baltimore, Maryland