By: Cynthia Munrayos
Innovation Studio had the opportunity to speak with Thao Dang and Andres Escobar from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses RI about their Spring 2025 Cohort, which begins in February. Below is a Q&A format to provide further insights.
Q: What is the program format?
- To help small business owners create jobs in the community and increase more revenue
- In-person program offered at CCRI in Warwick, RI
- The program spans 12 weeks, featuring one full class each week from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for business owners to apply?
- For owner or co-owner of a Rhode Island based business, and Executive Director of nonprofits
- Business in operation for at least two years.
- Business revenues of more than $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
- Business with a minimum of two employees (including the owner).
- A 1099 structure is allowed.
Q: Is this program available in Spanish?
- Only available in English at the moment
Q: When is the deadline?
- Deadline is October 30th
Q: What is one of the main takeaways one can take from this program with 10ksb?
- Walking away with an actionable 5 year growth plan
- Access to one on one business advising
- Cultivating a network of like-minded alumni and external connections
Q: Goldman Sach’s 10KSB Success Stories
- Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House in Providence, RI
“The growth plan I developed with Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business worked, and our agency has grown from a 2.5 million budget in 2019 to almost $8 million budget today,” said Vanessa.
- Kristen Healy, Vice President of Michael Healy Designs Inc. in Lincoln, RI
“The growth plan I developed with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses consisted of having our products sold at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. About one year after completing the program, I landed the meeting that I needed, and our products were rolled out to about 300 Lowe’s stores during the next year,” said Kristen Healy
To learn more and apply for Goldman’s Sach’s Spring Cohort, click HERE to take their elgibility quiz!
