Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses – Helping the Region's Businesses Grow
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a program for small businesses that links learning to action. Through the program, participants will gain practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be put into action. In addition, they will receive the tools and professional support to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that will take their business to the next level.
In Partnership with Bismarck State College
This program provides business owners the tools to develop a customized business plan for growth with topics covering financial statements negotiation, marketing, employee management and more. The curriculum is delivered in person and online – all at no cost to qualified small business owners.
- 12-week program focused on business growth
- Best-in-class curriculum designed by Goldman Sachs
- Network of fellow business leaders, business advisors, trained faculty
- Available to small businesses across the region at no cost
Who is Eligible?
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who are ready to take the next step for their business. We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities and who generally meet these criteria:
- Small business owner or co-owner
- Business operating 2+ years
- Business revenues of $75,000 or more in the past two fiscal years
- At least two employees including yourself as owner or co-owner
Curriculum
Orientation: In-person
Meet faculty, peers and a network of business support providers. Use tools to analyze your business history and current state, and begin exploring your Growth Plan. Determine factors that affect your business growth. Identify key metrics and create a dashboard. Define the characteristics of a growth opportunity.
Growth and Opportunities
Identify sources of innovation and learn to distinguish good ideas from viable business opportunities.
Financial Statements Workshop
Connect daily activities to financial statements. Learn how to analyze them and use them to guide management decisions.
Money and Metrics
Explore financial analysis in-depth, including financial statements for different types of businesses. Learn to drive a financial forecast.
You Are The Leader
Understand how your leadership style influences your team and business. Create a vision statement for your company.
It’s the People
Learn best practices for hiring and developing employees to build a positive business culture that supports growth.
Marketing and Selling
Define your target market and develop a customer profile and value proposition. Understand the buyer’s journey and new customer acquisition.
Operations & Processes
Evaluate current processes with an operational audit and process mapping. Empower employees and use technology to improve efficiency and scalability.
Being Bankable
Refine your Growth Plan financial forecast and discuss funding options. Understand simple valuation tools to drive value creation.
Action for Growth: In-person
Learn and practice negotiations, advocacy and digital marketing. Create an advisory board, present your Growth Plan and receive feedback.