Let's Get the Word Out to Alabama Small Businesses • First-ever Alabama Cohort

Applications Open for the First-ever Alabama Cohort

Alabama Small Businesses are encouraged to apply to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. It's a great opportunity for business owners to gain access to tools and knowledge to grow their businesses. The program is offered at no cost to the business owner – every business owner selected receives a full scholarship, with tuition funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. 

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who have a business poised for growth. Selected applicants would form the first-ever Alabama cohort. 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 revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
  • Business in operation for 2+ years
  • Business with 2+ employees (including the owner)
  • The application process is competitive. Small business owners should apply now. Applications close June 1, 2024.
 

Key Dates and Curriculum

Orientation September 4 – 6; 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 September 9
Identify sources of innovation and learn to distinguish good ideas from viable business opportunities.

Financial Statements Workshop September 16
Connect daily activities to financial statements. Learn how to analyze them and use them to guide management decisions.

Money and Metrics September 23
Explore financial analysis in-depth, including financial statements for different types of businesses. Learn to drive a financial forecast.

You Are The Leader October 7
Understand how your leadership style influences your team and business. Create a vision statement for your company.

It’s the People October 14
Learn best practices for hiring and developing employees to build a positive business culture that supports growth.

Marketing and Selling October 21
Define your target market and develop a customer profile and value proposition. Understand the buyer’s journey and new customer acquisition.

Operations & Processes October 28
Evaluate current processes with an operational audit and process mapping. Empower employees and use technology to improve efficiency and scalability.

Being Bankable November 4
Refine your Growth Plan financial forecast and discuss funding options. Understand simple valuation tools to drive value creation.

Action for Growth November 19-22; In-person

Learn and practice negotiations, advocacy and digital marketing. Create an advisory board, present your Growth Plan and receive feedback.

Contact:
Shelly Blackwell, Outreach and Recruitment
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
University of Arkansas- Pulaski Technical College
O: 501- 812-2200, Ext 3418
C: 479-659-9866
https://uaptc.edu/10ksb