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If you are a owner or co-owner of a small business in rural North Carolina with business revenue over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year, and you have been in operation for 2+ years and have 2+ employees (including the owner), then Goldman Sachs has an opportunity you should know about.
The application, which will take about 15 minutes to complete, is due on June 15.
For 15 years, 10,000 Small Businesses has provided free, practical business education, access to capital, and tailored support services to help entrepreneurs grow, according to this press release. In 2023, Goldman Sachs expanded the initiative into rural communities across 20 states, now including North Carolina.
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The free program teaches practical skills like marketing, negotiation, and employee management, all while guiding participants through the creation of a customized growth plan. Graduates also join a robust national network of peers and alumni, says the press release. The three-month program is delivered in a hybrid format and fully funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation.
The North Carolina Community College System is partnering with Goldman Sachs to help launch 10,000 small businesses across North Carolina.
“This partnership with Goldman Sachs reflects our system’s deep commitment to supporting small businesses as the engines of North Carolina’s economy,” said John Loyack, vice president for economic development. “We’re proud to provide a platform that brings world-class resources to entrepreneurs — particularly those in rural and underserved communities — through our statewide network of colleges.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, driving growth and innovation throughout the state. We are thrilled to bring our education program to entrepreneurs across North Carolina,” said Anne Wellde, national director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. “Together, we can equip small business owners with the tools they need to thrive and create jobs in their communities.”
Early results show strong outcomes for rural participants since completing the program, including:
- 68% reported increased revenue,
- 60% created new jobs,
- 85% feel more resilient, and
- 68% plan to use the 10KSB network to grow.
Applications are open now through June 15 for the North Carolina cohort, which will start in September.
Please share this opportunity with the small businesses you support and encourage them to be part of Goldman Sachs $100 million national Investment in Rural Communities.
