Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and The North Carolina Community College System to Offer Free Small Business Education Program to North Carolina Entrepreneurs

WILMINGTON, N.C., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 15 years, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has helped entrepreneurs nationwide grow their businesses by offering a free, practical business training program, access to capital, and personalized support services. Now, 10,000 Small Businesses is partnering with The North Carolina Community College System to bring this best-in-class training program to North Carolina small business owners. The inaugural cohort will be hosted at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.

Through this free program, participants gain practical skills in areas including negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be implemented into their businesses. In addition, participating small business owners receive the tools and professional support necessary to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that will help take their business to the next level.

"Goldman Sachs is incredibly proud to partner with The North Carolina Community College System to bring 10,000 Small Businesses directly to entrepreneurs across North Carolina, where small businesses drive innovation, create jobs and fuel the local economy," said Anne Wellde, National Director of 10,000 Small Business at Goldman Sachs. "For 15 years, 10,000 Small Businesses has provided small businesses nationwide with the critical education, access to capital and personalized support they need to thrive and we look forward to contributing to the bright future for North Carolina's entrepreneurs."

"Cape Fear Community College is proud to host the inaugural North Carolina cohort of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program," said Jim Morton, President of Cape Fear Community College. "Small businesses are vital to our region, and this partnership reflects our commitment to providing entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and connections they need to grow and thrive. We are proud to help launch this initiative in North Carolina and support the leaders who strengthen our communities and economy."

"North Carolina's small businesses are the backbone of our communities and providing them with resources to grow and thrive is at the heart of our mission," said Anne Shaw, State Director of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network. "Through this partnership with Goldman Sachs and the Community College System, entrepreneurs across the state will gain access to world-class training and support that can help them scale their businesses and create lasting impact in their communities."

Across the United States, 10,000 Small Businesses graduates are increasing their revenues and creating new jobs in their communities. The most recent Impact Report notes:

• 66% of participants reported an increase in revenues six months after graduating
• 44% reported creating new jobs six months after graduating
• 85% of 10,000 Small Businesses alumni are doing business with each other 

Selected applicants will gain access to world-class business education and connections to a professional support network at no cost. Classes are delivered in-person and online, and all costs are fully covered by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. 

About 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing a comprehensive business education program and access to capital and business support services. To date, 10,000 Small Businesses has served over 16,000 small businesses across the United States. The program has reached businesses from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.gs.com/10ksb.

About Goldman Sachs
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System