Goldman Sachs is convening a significant assembly of small business leaders in Washington, D.C., underscoring the institution’s sustained commitment to fostering growth within this vital economic sector. The upcoming 10,000 Small Businesses Summit, scheduled for October 29th and 30th, represents a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their operational strategies, expand their networks, and directly engage with policymakers. This high-profile event highlights the recognition of small businesses as critical engines of economic expansion, a perspective consistently championed by Goldman Sachs’ leadership.
This gathering, the largest to date for the 10,000 Small Businesses program, will feature an agenda dedicated to practical education and robust networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with influential figures from various industries, including Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, a long-standing advocate for small business development. The summit’s programming is designed to equip participants with actionable insights and tools.
A notable roster of speakers is slated to address attendees, offering diverse perspectives on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic strategy. The lineup includes U.S. Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler, Olympian Michael Phelps, former New York City Mayor and businessman Michael Bloomberg, AG1 CEO Kat Cole, Home Depot’s financial organizer Ken Langone, Hess Corporation CEO John Hess, Briogeo CEO Nancy Twine, Anastasia Beverly Hills CEO Anastasia Soare, Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, and Wharton professor Ethan Mollick. Their collective expertise is expected to provide invaluable guidance.
The summit’s core objectives revolve around empowering small business owners to secure necessary capital, bolster their workforce’s competitiveness, and adopt emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Educational sessions will focus on practical implementation strategies for AI, capital acquisition, exit planning, and employee retention. Furthermore, participants are scheduled to engage in discussions on Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that support their competitive positioning and future growth.
The 10,000 Small Businesses program, initiated 15 years ago, has demonstrably impacted over 14,000 businesses, supporting their measurable growth across the United States. Goldman Sachs has invested approximately $750 million into this philanthropic initiative, which provides a 12-week curriculum encompassing intensive learning, networking, mentorship, and access to capital. The program’s impact is further evidenced by its alumni network, comprising more than 17,000 entrepreneurs from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., fostering a collaborative ecosystem for ongoing support and development.
Post-program data indicates a substantial return on investment for participants. Within six months of completing the program, a significant majority, 66%, experience revenue growth, while 44% expand their workforce. The collaborative nature of the alumni network is also noteworthy, with 85% of graduates actively engaging with one another. These outcomes underscore the program’s effectiveness in driving tangible business expansion and job creation.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by businesses in rural areas, Goldman Sachs announced a $100 million investment in 2023 to expand its programs in these communities over a five-year period. This initiative aims to bridge the resource gap, as a Goldman Sachs survey revealed that while 86% of rural small businesses plan to grow, only 7% feel they receive adequate private sector support. To date, the program has extended its reach to 12 rural states, including those in the Southeast and Midwest.
Small businesses are a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, representing approximately 46% of private sector employment. Data from The Office of Advocacy highlights their role as accelerators of economic growth, responsible for a substantial portion of net new job creation. According to the Office of Advocacy’s 2025 Small Business Profiles, from March 2023 to March 2024, small businesses created roughly nine out of every ten net new jobs, opening 1.1 million new establishments and contributing to a net increase of 1.2 million jobs. This underscores the critical importance of initiatives designed to support their sustained success and expansion.
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Emily Carter has over eight years of experience covering global business trends. She specializes in technology startups, market innovations, and corporate strategy, turning complex developments into clear, actionable stories for our readers.