Meet faculty, peers, and a network of business support providers. Use tools to analyze your business history and current state and begin exploring your Growth Plan. Determine factors that affect your business growth. Identify key metrics and create a dashboard. Define the characteristics of a growth opportunity.
Small Business. Big Impact.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has helped entrepreneurs across the country grow their businesses for 15 years over a decade by offering a free practical business training program, access to capital, and personalized support services. Now, we are expanding, bringing this best-in-class training program to rural communities across America.
66%
of graduates increase revenues just 6 months after graduating
44%
of graduates create new jobs just 6 months after graduating
85%
of graduates do business together
Source: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses 2024
Eligibility
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who have a business poised for growth. We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities and who generally meet these criteria:
- Small business owner or co-owner
- Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
- Business in operation for 2+ years
- Business with 2+ employees (including the owner)
Key DatesSpring 2026 Applications OpenDates are tentative and may shift slightly.
Minnesota – Apply by November 12Program Dates: February 18 – May 8, 2026 | In-Person Sessions: February 18 – 20, 2026 and May 5 – 8, 2026
Missouri – Apply by November 12Program Dates: February 18 – May 8, 2026 | In-Person Sessions: February 18 – 20, 2026 and May 5 – 8, 2026
Idaho – Apply by December 10Program Dates: March 18 – June 5, 2026 | In-Person Sessions: March 18 – 20, 2026 and June 2 – 5, 2026
West Virginia – Apply by December 1Program Dates: March 18 – June 5, 2026 | In-Person Sessions: March 18 – 20, 2026 and June 2 – 5, 2026
Curriculum
Our best-in-class curriculum covers all the fundamentals for growing a business and is delivered in partnership with community colleges across the country.
Orientation
Growth and Opportunities
Identify sources of innovation and learn to distinguish good ideas from viable business opportunities.
Financial Statements Workshop
Connect daily activities to financial statements. Learn how to analyze them and use them to guide management decisions.
Money and Metrics
Explore financial analysis in-depth, including financial statements for different types of businesses. Learn to drive a financial forecast.
You Are the Leader
Understand how your leadership style influences your team and business. Create a vision statement for your company.
It’s the People
Learn best practices for hiring and developing employees to build a positive business culture that supports growth.
Marketing and Selling
Define your target market and develop a customer profile and value proposition. Understand the buyer’s journey and new customer acquisition.
Operations and Processes
Evaluate current processes with an operational audit and process mapping. Empower employees and use technology to improve efficiency and scalability.
Being Bankable
Refine your Growth Plan financial forecast and discuss funding options. Understand simple valuation tools to drive value creation.
Action for Growth
Learn and practice negotiations, advocacy, and digital marketing. Create an advisory board, present your Growth Plan, and receive feedback.
In Progress and Upcoming Sessions
Applications for these programs are now closed.
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