The real ROI of relationships

Unlocking Business Growth: Insights from Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses Program

Key Takeaways:

• Building a strong network is crucial for long-term business success and personal growth.
• The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program offers transformative educational opportunities with real impact.
• Active participation and engagement in business communities can lead to unforeseen opportunities and meaningful relationships.

Transformative Education for Entrepreneurs

Participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program offers business owners a unique opportunity for personal and professional transformation. Elaine, a passionate advocate for the program, describes it as a "crash course MBA program" tailored specifically for her business. This program is not merely an academic exercise but a journey that requires participants to engage intensely with their operations while navigating the intricacies of growth strategies.

The program spans 12 weeks, during which entrepreneurs are challenged to work on their businesses. Elaine recalls, "It's a lot of work because you're working on your business throughout this program while you're running your business." Integrating such a demanding curriculum into the daily grind of running a company illustrates the program's ambitious nature and its potential impact on a participant's business acumen.

One significant benefit of this intensive curriculum is its holistic approach. From financial literacy—where topics such as cash flow and balance sheets are demystified—to leadership development, the program covers a comprehensive range of crucial business subjects. Elaine admits, "They have a module on finance and I just don't love that part," but acknowledges how essential this knowledge is.

The Power of Community and Networking

A recurring theme throughout the experience shared in the transcript was the profound importance of community and networking. Elaine’s involvement with 10KSB not only equipped her with valuable business skills but also connected her with like-minded entrepreneurs. "You have this growth plan, but you're going through this program and you're finally around other business owners," she reflects. This fellowship offers an invaluable support system for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Elaine underscores the significance of these connections by sharing the life-long friendships she developed through the 10KSB program. These aren't just superficial acquaintances formed out of necessity; instead, they are deep, personal relationships that extend beyond business. "I've traveled the world with them. They have become dear friends," she reveals, further highlighting the richness of her experience.

Engagement with business communities doesn't end once the program concludes. Regular participation in alumni events, workshops, and summits creates ongoing opportunities for learning and connection. Elaine passionately asserts, "I keep popping up all these places. And so the 10KSB team knows me." For her, this visibility and consistent interaction are key in maintaining and expanding her professional network.

The Importance of Showing Up and Seizing Opportunities

Active participation is about more than just increasing knowledge—it's about being present, seizing opportunities, and reaping the rewards. Elaine’s story serves as a testament to the exponential benefits one can gain from showing up and investing time in these programs. Her involvement with 10KSB led to numerous opportunities, including being selected to speak on stage at a summit in Washington, D.C., a prestigious platform attended by influential figures such as Michael Phelps and Martha Stewart.

This visibility was no accident; it was the result of Elaine’s consistent effort to engage with her community. As she states, "Every minute I invest in 10KSB, I get 10x the value." Her enthusiasm and commitment are met with reciprocation in the form of professional recognition and personal growth. Furthermore, her willingness to embrace these prospects fosters an expansive network that translates into business success and personal fulfillment.

Elaine’s story highlights a critical lesson for entrepreneurs: engagement and visibility are crucial. By staying active and present in relevant circles, you avail yourself to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

Unveiling New Horizons Through Education and Networking

Elaine’s experience challenges us to recognize the broader significance of education and networking in the world of business. Her journey through the 10KSB program illustrates how a well-rounded educational initiative can profoundly influence an entrepreneur's growth trajectory. It not only equipped her with necessary skills but also granted her access to a powerful network of like-minded individuals willing to support and grow alongside her.

In a world where the business landscape is continually evolving, the power of community and education cannot be overstated. Elaine’s narrative serves as a beacon for

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In this episode, Alane shares how joining the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program completely reshaped the way she approaches business growth—and why no founder should try to build alone.

What started as a 12-week crash course on scaling a company became something far more powerful: a network of entrepreneurs who understand the highs, lows, and relentless pressure of running a business. From presenting on stage in front of thousands to finding real friendships that extend beyond business, Alane and Micah discuss how community isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential.

You’ll hear:

• Why joining the right peer group can accelerate growth faster than any marketing strategy
• How to find communities that genuinely support founders (and not just sell to them)
• The long-term impact of relationships built through programs like Goldman Sachs 10KSB and EO
• What isolation costs leaders—and how connection restores purpose and perspective
• Why investing time in people creates exponential returns for both your business and your wellbeing

For founders used to doing it all themselves, this episode is a powerful reminder: your network is the one system that can’t be automated—but it will scale everything else you do.