Goldman Sachs looking to support D-FW small businesses through educational program

Investment banking company Goldman Sachs is looking for small businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to participate in its free educational program, 10,000 Small Businesses.

10,000 Small Businesses is a national program launched by Goldman Sachs in 2009. Goldman Sachs announced it would invest $500 million into the program, which offers business growth classes, networking opportunities and, if needed, access to capital.

“They all believe very strongly in the economic impact of small businesses,” said Chris Bradshaw, outreach and recruitment director for 10,000 Small Businesses.

To be accepted into the program, a business will need to have been in operation for at least two years, have at least four employees and have minimum gross revenue of $150,000 in the most recent fiscal year.

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There is no application fee, and businesses that get accepted receive a full scholarship to the program.

Once accepted, business owners will participate in four months of classes held Fridays and Saturdays on campuses of Dallas County Community College. The classes are conducted by Babson College, a Massachusetts-based business school, and cover topics such as negotiation tactics and presentation skills. At the end of the program, participants will put together a growth plan for their business.

About 5,000 businesses have graduated from the program nationwide. The North Texas cohort, which has operated for about a year, has about 100 graduates, according to Bradshaw.

According to Bradshaw, 57 percent of graduates created new jobs, and 76 percent increased revenue after participating in the program.

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“It’s business transformation,” she said. “It’s the new owner, or even the old owner, getting life and vitality.”

The next program will take place in May, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 9. More information can be found at www.dcccd.edu/10ksb.