How I decided to join the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business program

Sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them. For me, joining the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program started with a chance conversation at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce.

I had heard of the program before but never really looked into the details. At the time, I had just finished working with a business coach. It was a great experience but also a large investment. When my financial advisor invited me to attend a local Chamber of Commerce conference, I went with an open mind and no expectations.

That decision changed everything.

A Chance Connection at the Chamber of Commerce

As I walked around the trade tables, I met a woman named Jackie from Goldman Sachs. I laughed when I realized I was at the event with my colleague Jennifer Bolt, and Jackie gets asked all the time if she is related to Jen. That small moment led us into a longer conversation about the program and what it offered.

Jackie shared that the program covered modules on:

• You and your business
• Growth and new opportunities
• Financial literacy, money, and metrics
• Leadership development
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Operations and processes

It was designed to be similar to an MBA in business, but tailored to small business owners. The more I listened, the more I realized that this program could help me not only grow my own business but also support the businesses of my clients.

Deciding to Apply

The biggest hurdle was the time commitment. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program requires about 15 hours per week, on top of my schedule as a mom, a farm wife, and the owner of two businesses. At first, I almost talked myself out of it.

But I kept coming back to one belief: everything is figure-out-able. I decided to take the leap and apply.

The Interview Process

The interview process was intense. At one point, I was asked, “You are a mom, you run two businesses, your husband farms. This is a huge time commitment in the fall. How are you going to manage this?”

I remember thinking that was the moment I would lose my chance. Still, I answered honestly. “I will figure it out. I really want this, and I will make it work.”

It might not have been the most polished answer, but it was real. And it worked.

Getting Accepted

A few weeks later, I received the exciting news that I had been accepted. Out of only 30 spots in Iowa, one of them was mine.

Everything is covered in the program, from hotels and meals to materials. All I have to do is show up and do the work. This is not lost on me, and is a huge part of why I am so excited to dive. Instead of paying to learn, they are paying and supporting me and my business to learn. What a gift!

Why It Matters for Small Business Owners

Being part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program means gaining practical knowledge in leadership, financial strategy, and operations that can be applied immediately to real businesses. It is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to scale, and it provides a level of support and training that many small business owners do not otherwise have access to.

For me, it is not just about improving my own agency. It is about learning strategies that will also help my clients grow their businesses with stronger foundations and better processes.

Looking Ahead with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses program

Yes, I am nervous about the time commitment. But I am also incredibly excited. This is the kind of opportunity that does not come along every day, and I am grateful to be part of it.

Growth does not happen when you play it safe. It happens when you take the leap, even if you are not sure how it will all come together.