10,000 Small Businesses

Applications Open in Arkansas, North Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

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 DatesFall 2025 Applications OpenDates are tentative and may shift slightly.
Arkansas – Apply by June 3Program Dates: September 17 – December 12, 2025 | In-Person Sessions: September 17 – 19, 2025 and December 9 – 12, 2025
North Carolina – Apply by June 17Program Dates: September 24 – December 12, 2025 | In-Person Sessions: September 24 – 26, 2025 and December 9 – 12, 2025
South Dakota – Apply by June 3Program Dates: September 10 – December 5, 2025 | In-Person Sessions: September 10 – 12, 2025 and December 2 – 5, 2025
Utah – Apply by July 16Program Dates: October 27 – January 23, 2026 | In-Person Sessions: October 27 – 29, 2025 and January 20 – 23, 2026
Wyoming – Apply by June 17Program Dates: September 24 – December 12, 2025 | In-Person Sessions: September 24 – 26, 2025 and December 9 – 12, 2025
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

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.

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.