WDC continues to support local entrepreneurs through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program

Community, Success Stories, Training

Jun 14, 2023

Reporting providing by Sean Johnson - Photos provided by Brittany King

Sean Johnson talks to entrepreneurs at the graduation event for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program

A group of 27 entrepreneurs from throughout the Greater Cincinnati region successfully completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in April 2023. This was the fourth cohort of local small business owners to finish the 14-week training program since Cincinnati State’s Workforce Development Center began facilitating 10,000 Small Businesses in 2019.

The 27 graduates represent industries including information technology, health and beauty, food service (catering), legal services, life and leadership coaching, heavy construction, and transportation.

Sean GL Johnson, Senior Project Manager for the 10,000 Small Businesses program, said, “Entrepreneurs and small business owners play a vital role in growing jobs and the local economy. This innovative partnership between Cincinnati State’s Workforce Development Center and the Goldman Sachs Foundation provides practical strategies, along with a portfolio of resources, tools, and ideas to help participants to scale their businesses.”

Congressman Greg Landsman met with local small business owners

Cohort participants receive one-on-one business advising; learn alongside peers (with some activities led by Cincinnati State faculty members); and attend specialized panels on area business support services, access to capital, and other relevant topics.

The cohort that graduated in April also had the opportunity to participate in a “fireside chat” with Congressman Greg Landsman, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee. Landsman also is the Ranking Member (lead Democratic Party member) for the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, and a Member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is an initiative funded through the Cincinnati State Foundation in partnership with the College.

New cohort of 10K Small Businesses will start in January 2024

The Workforce Development Center is currently recruiting for the next cohort, which will begin in January 2024. (Click to download the full schedule for the 14-week program.)

Business owners who are selected for 10,000 Small Businesses receive a full scholarship funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. After completing the program, entrepreneurs have a practical, immediately actionable growth plan, and according to the Goldman Sachs Foundation, 67% of the program’s alumni reported increased revenues and 47% added new jobs within six months of graduating.

Applicants should be “passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities” and should meet these criteria:

Owner or co-owner of a business
Business in operation for at least two years (by the time the cohort begins)
Business revenues of $75,000 to $15 million
Minimum of 2 full time equivalent employees, including the owner

If you have questions or want to learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, contact Sean GL Johnson at sean.johnson@cincinnatistate.edu or Elizabeth York at elizabeth.york@cincinnatistate.edu.