Starting a small business can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many organizations are ready to help you grow, even if you’re working with a tight budget. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or opening a new location, there are resources available to support you every step of the way. Here are some top companies that are dedicated to helping small businesses succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses offers programs to help small businesses grow.
- The Small Business Administration provides resources and funding for small businesses.
- TOMS Marketplace connects small businesses with customers looking for unique products.
- Facebook offers tools and advertising options to help small businesses reach a larger audience.
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) provide financial support to small businesses in low-income areas.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is designed to help small businesses grow and create jobs. It offers greater access to business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Through this tuition-free program, participants gain practical skills in areas like financial statements, negotiations, marketing, and management. They also receive tools to develop an actionable growth plan at no cost.
To date, more than 14,000 business owners have benefited from the program. Participants get one-on-one advice from industry professionals and support in developing a customized plan for growth. Additionally, they gain access to a supportive network of over 14,000 business owners.
To qualify, you must be an established entrepreneur with revenue over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government organization designed to help entrepreneurs find resources and advice to propel them forward. Among the many services it offers (most free of charge), the SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders that provide affordable loans. The SBA also offers resources for marketing and business development, import and export opportunities, training specific to various industries (for you and your employees), and operations improvement resources.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a small-business owner who could use some valuable help, here are a few organizations that can provide it.
Learn how to start, grow, or sell your business using the SBA’s free resources. The SBA offers informative content, interactive online tools, and a video library for entrepreneurs. These range from business planning solutions to mentoring services.
- Small Business Development Centers: Attend in-person events and get individualized assistance from small business centers near you. Enter your zip code to find your local SBDC.
- SBA’s Ascent: Explore Ascent — a free learning platform for women entrepreneurs — by choosing your journey and topics to master. Content options include fireside chats, self-assessments, discussion guides, and exercises.
This initiative from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) features online tools and training for growth.
This program is designed for small business owners and executives with an annual revenue of at least $250,000. You receive mentoring, in-person coaching, access to subject matter experts and more.
There is no cost to join. Learn more about the training series and find a location near you.
TOMS Marketplace
TOMS Marketplace is a fantastic platform that supports small businesses and social entrepreneurs. It has provided significant exposure to startups like LSTN Headphones and many others. By featuring these businesses, TOMS helps them reach a broader audience and grow their customer base.
- Offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products.
- Helps social entrepreneurs gain visibility.
- Supports a variety of startups, enhancing their growth potential.
TOMS Marketplace is a great example of how big brands can support small businesses and help them thrive.
Facebook is a powerful tool for small businesses looking to grow. With over 2.8 billion users, it offers a vast audience for marketing. By using Facebook, businesses can connect with customers, promote their products, and build a community around their brand. Here are some key benefits of using Facebook for small businesses:
- Wider Reach: Access to a large user base.
- Targeted Advertising: Ability to reach specific demographics.
- Engagement Opportunities: Direct interaction with customers.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Many tools are free or low-cost.
To get started, small businesses should consider these steps:
- Create a business page.
- Post engaging content regularly.
- Use Facebook Ads to reach a larger audience.
- Monitor engagement and adjust strategies as needed.
Facebook marketing can be a game-changer for small businesses, helping them to unlock success and reach new heights.
In summary, Facebook is not just a social platform; it’s a vital resource for small businesses aiming to expand their reach and connect with customers effectively. By leveraging its features, businesses can enhance their visibility and drive growth.
Twitter has been a game-changer for small businesses. By offering a free bootstrap design framework, it has simplified the process of building responsive websites. This tool saves startups countless hours, allowing them to focus on growth rather than design.
Additionally, Twitter provides a platform for small businesses to engage with their audience directly. This real-time interaction helps in building a loyal customer base and gaining valuable feedback.
For businesses looking to expand their reach, Twitter’s advertising options are both affordable and effective. With targeted ads, small businesses can reach potential customers who are genuinely interested in their products or services.
Twitter’s tools and platform make it easier for small businesses to grow and succeed in a competitive market.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play a crucial role in helping small businesses thrive, especially in underserved areas. These institutions provide much-needed funding and support to entrepreneurs who might not have access to traditional banking services. CDFIs are essential for promoting economic development and fostering community growth.
CDFIs invest in minority- and women-led funds, which in turn support diverse entrepreneurs. This investment strategy helps drive economic opportunity and strengthens entire communities. By collaborating with local organizations, CDFIs ensure that their efforts have a meaningful impact.
CDFIs also offer various resources to small business owners, including access to capital, business planning guidance, and financial management support. These resources are often provided at low or no cost, making them accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.
CDFIs are a customer magnet for small businesses, providing exceptional support and resources that help them grow and succeed.
Forbes Small Giants
Forbes’ annual Small Giants list celebrates 25 privately owned companies that prioritize greatness over rapid growth. These businesses excel in serving their customers, employees, and communities while staying profitable. The list includes a national fitness bootcamp, a chain of Mexican bakeries, and a vineyard with 100-year-old roots in Chile’s Casablanca Valley.
Forbes Small Giants showcases companies from various sectors, from fintech to foodtech solutions. These businesses are purpose-driven and proudly maintain their unique identities. They prove that success isn’t just about fast growth but also about making a positive impact.
The Small Giants list is a testament to the power of dedication and community focus in building a lasting business.
Good Company
Good Company is dedicated to helping small businesses grow by sharing valuable insights from entrepreneurs and industry leaders. They focus on providing practical advice that can take your company to the next level. Their mission is to empower small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Good Company also emphasizes the importance of responsible growth and sustainable business practices. They believe in making a positive impact on local communities and driving economic and social progress. This includes offering resources for environmental sustainability and economic opportunities for diverse people and communities.
Good Company aims to create a culture that puts people first in all decisions. They provide access to financial information and work to revitalize communities with high unemployment rates.
Whether you’re bootstrapping your SaaS business or looking for ways to expand, Good Company offers the guidance and support you need to thrive.
Center for Business Empowerment
The Center for Business Empowerment is a fantastic resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It offers a variety of free or low-cost resources to help businesses thrive. Small business owners and entrepreneurs will connect and learn about resources and tools to help their small businesses thrive, including mentorship, training, and community support.
The center provides access to a global network of mentors, free classes, and a community of business leaders. You can also find educational resources and events designed to help you grow and scale your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, the Center for Business Empowerment has something to offer.
- Access to capital
- Guidance on business planning
- Operations and financial management support
The Center for Business Empowerment is dedicated to pursuing and enabling the dreams of entrepreneurs. It offers a step-by-step guide to help those looking to start a new business.
LSTN Headphones
LSTN Headphones is a company that not only creates high-quality audio products but also helps small businesses grow. By partnering with TOMS Marketplace, LSTN Headphones has gained significant exposure, along with 29 other startups. This partnership has been a game-changer for many small businesses, providing them with a platform to reach a broader audience.
LSTN Headphones stands out because of its commitment to social entrepreneurship. The company donates a portion of its profits to help provide hearing aids to people in need around the world. This mission-driven approach not only benefits the community but also attracts customers who want to make a positive impact with their purchases.
LSTN Headphones’ collaboration with TOMS Marketplace is a prime example of how strategic partnerships can help small businesses thrive.
Small businesses can learn a lot from LSTN Headphones’ approach to combining quality products with a strong social mission. This blend of business and philanthropy can be a powerful tool for growth.
Conclusion
Helping small businesses grow is a shared mission. Many organizations are dedicated to supporting small business owners, offering resources and programs to help them succeed. Whether you’re looking to hire new employees, expand to a new location, or simply need guidance, there’s help available. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Share this information with other business owners and help them thrive too. With the right support, every small business can achieve its dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program?
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helps small business owners with education, support, and resources to grow their businesses.
How can the Small Business Administration help me?
The Small Business Administration offers loans, grants, and advice to small business owners to help them succeed.
What is TOMS Marketplace?
TOMS Marketplace is a platform that supports small businesses by selling their products and helping them reach more customers.
How can Facebook help my small business?
Facebook provides tools and advertising options to help small businesses connect with customers and grow their online presence.
What role does Twitter play in helping small businesses?
Twitter helps small businesses by offering a platform to engage with customers, share updates, and build a community.
What are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)?
CDFIs provide financial support to small businesses in low- to moderate-income areas, helping them get the funding they need to grow.