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 September 2023, 10,000 Small Businesses launched in both North Dakota and Arkansas as part of the program’s rural expansion initiative. Goldman Sachs is focusing on reaching rural states and communities to ensure the program continues to support a diversified and representative group of small business owners.
2023 Impact Snapshot: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
12.8K+
Small businesses served from
all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
53%
of graduates have hired additional employees in the first 18 months after graduation
85%
of alumni do business
with other alumni
72%
of graduates have increased their revenue, 18 months after graduation
98%
of participants complete
the program
Alumni Spotlight
“I found out that almost everyone in the program shared many of the same problems as small businesses and that getting past being small was a struggle for everyone. By learning from others that were where you wanted to be really helped lift all of us to the next level. Your mentors need to come from where you want to be and not where you are at now.”
Mike M. Homma, President
Gap Engineering
gap-eng.com
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Houston Cohort 8 (2013)
“The one key takeaway I received while participating in the 10KSB program was that it is acceptable to continue to take financial risks to scale. It’s ok to have debt for a reasonable amount of time. It’s ok to secure loans and use lines of credit. All of these things I had been hesitant to do. Now I have the employees I need to continue to expand and grow. Now we have a larger, nicer office to work in everyday. Taking a financial risk has led to improved sales, client perception, and employee morale.”
Brandon Crumpton, President
Key Signature Entertainment
Charlotte, North Carolina
keysignatureonline.com
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
National Cohort 16 (2021)