After a decade of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering small business growth, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative will end at Harold Washington College, leaving a lasting legacy of success and innovation in our city’s college community.
Goldman Sachs launched the 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create economic opportunity by providing access to educational capital and support services. The initiative partnered with educational institutions across the country, including the City Colleges of Chicago, in 2012 to provide students with the skills, resources and networks they need to succeed. At Harold Washington College, the initiative is led by CEO Randy Kravitz.
The collaboration between Goldman Sachs and the City Colleges of Chicago has impacted many entrepreneurs since then, providing participants with hands-on business education, support services, and access to capital. The curriculum covers critical areas such as accounting, marketing, recruiting, and many others taught by industry experts. Not only has this partnership provided business owners with valuable knowledge, it has also created a thriving network of local entrepreneurs.
“This program has been a beacon of opportunity, growth and success for many small business owners in our community,” said Harold Washington College President Daniel Lopez. “Hosting the 10,000 Small Businesses program highlights Harold Washington College’s commitment to economic development and empowering entrepreneurs in Chicago. The program has enabled small business owners to thrive and contribute significantly to the local economy.”
Since 2012, the program has engaged more than 1,050 small business owners in the Chicagoland, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana regions across 38 groups. The program has generated total annual revenue of $1.4 billion and created more than 17,400 jobs.
Although the in-person program will end in Chicago in August of this year, its impact will continue nationwide. The 10KSB program in Chicago will transition to a hybrid delivery model for the national program. Learn more at www.10ksbapply.com.
