Program Updates
Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business
Your Time is Now. Seize It.
Since 2009, ICIC has served as the national outreach and recruitment partner for Goldman Sachs’ widely impactful 10,000 Small Businesses initiative. The partnership expanded its reach to better serve sole proprietors with the creation of the One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.
Black in Business is an executive education program designed to help sole proprietors turn business potential into business growth. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants gain practical strategies to price their products or services, hire their first employee, manage finances, and explore new ways to innovate and scale their businesses.
The curriculum, created in partnership with the NYU Stern School of Business, is delivered through a combination of in-person sessions at Goldman Sachs in New York City and virtual sessions, both at no cost to participants nationwide. Since its launch in May 2022, Black in Business has graduated more than 1,600 entrepreneurs across eight cohorts, building a vibrant community of business owners who are redefining possibilities and driving innovation in their industries. The program is committed to empowering many more sole proprietors in the years ahead.
Impact Snapshot: One Million Black Women: Black In Business
Program Achievements Cohorts 1-4
Key Outcome
90%
Of alumni believe the program gave them the tools to innovate
Data shows that program graduates are growing their businesses, hiring, and innovating.
65%
Of alumni reported increasing revenues
Source: Federal Reserve Banks; 65% BIB alumni reported increasing revenue (compared to 36% of non-employer firms)
94%
Of alumni are optimistic about future growth
Data was collected via two separate surveys administered to Black in Business alumni in Spring 2024. Business metrics are aggregated from self-reported progress data over the past 12 months from 326 alumni from Cohorts 1, 2, and 3. Data pertaining to business innovation was collected from 316 alumni from Cohorts 1-4.
Alumni Spotlight
Innovation means recognizing the moment and having the strategy to seize it. The Black in Business curriculum gave me the framework to transition from agency owner to AI software CEO, building the first culturally smart AI copywriter. The action plan I created during the program helped me secure corporate partnerships and scale impact.”
APRYL BEVERLY, AI Software Founder and CEO
BAAB Writing & Marketing Services
Atlanta, Georgia
Innovation, to me, is the courage to reimagine what’s possible while staying deeply rooted in service. The Black in Business program sharpened my systems, expanded my vision, and gave me the confidence to scale with intention. It empowered me to blend creativity and strategy to grow our luxury teatime experiences and meaningful social impact.”
ELLA WILLIAMS, Founder and CEO
Columbus, Ohio
