IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brian Berg, CTO (312.282.8260)
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Education Program provides business education, support services and access to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.
January 9, 2024 – (Chicago, IL) – Chicagoland small business owners looking to gain access to affordable capital and learn practical skills to grow their business can apply for enrollment in the Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” business education program, from now until January 24th, announced City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. The innovative, structured, and intuitive, 13-week small business education program that’s available to Chicago’s small business owners at no cost, of which the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) is a partner, will begin in May and conclude in early August, meeting weekly and in-person at Harold Washington College.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy that account for nearly half of all the jobs in Chicago,” said City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. “This program will help small business owners gain access to the information and resources they need to expand and create additional jobs and economic opportunities that build wealth and strong, healthy communities that are essential to our city’s well-being.”
The program will accept enrollment applications from business owners, now through Wednesday, January 24th for the 2024 summer program. There is no cost for business owners to participate. All the participating business owners will meet in-person on Fridays from 8:30am to 5:30pm and are assigned a business advisor that they will work with consistently throughout the program.
To qualify, applicants are required to:
- Be the owner/co-owner
- Have their business in operation for at least 2 years
- Generate business revenues of at least $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
- And have a minimum of 2 full-time employees (can include the owner).
For additional program information and to apply, visit “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.”
“Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is excited to once again work with the CTO to give small businesses access to the tools and resources they need to grow their revenue and create jobs at rates that outperform the broader economy,” said Audria Green Hawkins, Outreach Director, Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses.” She added: “Small business owners will receive a world-class business education and connections to a professional support network at no cost.”
Add 1/CTO & Goldman Sachs Business Education Program
The program offers growth-oriented business owners with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. The one-on-one business advising and expert guidance from Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” professionals offer the opportunity for participants to gain practical skills to take their business to the next level with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. It also assists business owners with developing an actionable growth plan with the help of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. To date, Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses has served nearly 14,000 businesses in the U.S. with more than half of them creating new jobs in 30 months or less and 69% of them reporting an increase of revenues of up to 75% within 30 months.
The Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” curriculum was designed by Babson College, one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurship schools. Six months after completing the program, 72% of its graduates had increased revenues and 50% created additional jobs.
For the Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” application and additional information please click here. To review a “10,000 Small Businesses” video, visit YouTube. For a schedule and complete list of the CTO’s upcoming free financial education programs, videos, tips, and additional information for building a more prosperous future, visit the City Treasurer’s Office.