LEVEL UP YOUR
SMALL BUSINESS
The Detroit Metro Area is home to a thriving community of small businesses across various industries, from startups to family-owned enterprises. However, as many entrepreneurs know, running a small business comes with unique challenges, from juggling daily operations and managing finances to navigating a competitive landscape. That’s where the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program comes in, offering a transformative, no-cost opportunity to help you learn how to work on your business and not just in your business.
What is the Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses Program?
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program is an incredible business education initiative explicitly designed for small business owners ready to take their companies to the next level. The program offers small business owners a unique opportunity to access world-class education, expert advice, and valuable resources—all at no cost.
Whether you’re looking to improve your business strategy, expand your leadership skills, or access capital for growth, the program offers the tools you need to strengthen your foundation and scale successfully.
BROAD SET OF INDUSTRIES
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Minimum Requirements:
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Must be the owner or co-owner
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Business in operation 2 years or more
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Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
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Business with a minimum of two employees
EXPECTATIONS
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No cost, 12-week program focused on business growth
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One day a week, classes (usually Fridays) from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, and a few evening clinics
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Classes held at Wayne State University – Tech Town
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Classes are held three times a year: Winter, Summer, and Fall
SCHEDULES
Winter 2027 Cohort
The application deadline is
October 1, 2026
WEEKLY CLASSES BEGIN
January 12, 2027 – April 4, 2027
Summer 2027 Cohort
The application deadline is
February 6, 2027
WEEKLY CLASSES BEGIN
TBD
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Fall 2027 Cohort
The application deadline is
May 16, 2027
WEEKLY CLASSES BEGIN
TBD
TESTIMONIALS
Randy Flinch
Cohort: 14
Business: Ice Guru Events
Program Experience: “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses didn’t just help me grow iceguru.com—it changed the way I run my business and, ultimately, my life. The peer learning was incredible; many of the systems we use today came directly from ideas and suggestions shared by my classmates. That network continues well beyond graduation, and we’re now looking for opportunities to partner with other 10KSB graduates and bring our businesses together on future projects. The comment I hear most from business owners is, ‘I don’t have time to take the course.’ I used to understand that thinking. What I learned is exactly the opposite: taking the course helped me build the systems, confidence, and structure that gave me more control of my business—and gave me back something even more valuable: time to enjoy my life. If you’re too busy to take 10KSB, you may be exactly the person who needs it most. "