Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses Scholar
OPPORTUNITY: In April of 2024, Fran Kick was selected to be a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Scholar. This world-class business education program helps small business owners grow their businesses by providing Executive MBA training, access to capital, and networking opportunities. The program is available across the U.S. in partnership with community colleges. Utilizing a curriculum designed in partnership with Babson College—the nation’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship—this intensive 12-week business education program serves like-minded small business owners with one-on-one business advice while learning valuable skills to help grow business. The program provides:
- Practical training and actionable skills in areas such as negotiation, marketing, and employee management.
- Access to capital via Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other mission-driven lenders.
- The opportunity to network with an extensive network of over 14,500+ program alumni located throughout all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
- Business owners receive one-on-one business advising.
- Business owners develop a customized growth plan to direct their organization’s business strategy and expansion.
RESULTS: Fran participated in nine modules and four clinics geared around small business management training, each of which included classroom discussion, peer learning exercises, skill building, and experiential applications. An integrated portfolio of business services—including one-on-one business advice, legal and financial clinics, and networking opportunities—complemented the classroom activities.
PRESENTED BY:
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a $750 million investment to help create jobs and economic opportunities by providing entrepreneurs with greater access to education, financial capital, and business support services. 67% of 10KSB alumni increased revenue just six months after graduating; 44% created jobs in the same time frame.
