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 $500 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 of 10,000 Small Businesses
12.8K+
Small businesses served from all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico
44%
of graduates have hired additional employees 6 months after graduation
85%
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
“I think that you’ve got to meet people halfway and if you don’t invest in them, how are you going to expect them to invest back?” says Michele Cuthbert.
Cuthbert is talking about the encouraging environment she strives to cultivate at Baker Creative, her successful brand strategy and marketing firm based in Groveport, OH. This is an especially important value to Cuthbert—not only because it actively cultivates a supportive culture for her employees, but intentionally defies the strategy of other firms in the sector.
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MICHELE CUTHBERT
STRATEGIST AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BAKER CREATIVE
GROVEPORT, OHIO
With global markets at an all-time high with regards to volatility, Jaian Cuttari’s play to create a strategic consulting firm to help local businesses navigate oft-treacherous international business waters now looks like a no-brainer.
“Veltrust was founded on a belief that there is more than one way for a global advisory business to provide value for its clients, by focusing on integrity and humility, to bring down barriers and go the extra mile for our clients to ensure a successful outcome,” Cuttari says. “We provide strategic planning, market access, government relations and commercial negotiations worldwide. We build bridges between countries, where the government falls short.”
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JAIAN CUTTARI
FOUNDER & CEO
VELTRUST, LLC
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND