The Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons has been selected to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative Program.

This program – a partnership between Goldman Sachs, Warren Buffet, major business schools like Wharton & UCLA, major foundations like the Gates & Kaufmann Foundations, and other organizations – was established in the fall of 2009 to provide significant, targeted, in-depth resources to 10,000 small businesses.

It’s a five year, $500 million program that’s being rolled out across the country with a goal of providing small businesses with greater access to business education, mentors & networks, and capital.

The first launching of the program took place in NY; LA was selected as the second area of the country to offer this program to small businesses. Being able to utilize the LA SBDC network was a key factor in establishing LA as the second place in the country where this program will be offered.

During the initial launch of the program, 30 small businesses will be selected to participate in a free, Executive college style business training program that will meet every other Saturday for 11 wks running November 2011 through Ferbruary 2012. We anticipate expanding that in future “semesters” to multiple cohorts attending trainings at the same time.

This could be a significant opportunity for the right business.

That said, this opportunity is not for every small business owner.

Businesses must meet the program’s qualifications1, submit a robust application, pass an interview and be accepted into the program. Applicants must make a significant time commitment. The first cohort will attend class at the SBDC Lead Center in Long Beach; it is our goal to offer subsequent classes at our SBDC in the University Center on the COC Campus in Santa Clarita.

We are holding an information session on this new program:

Date: Thursday, Sept. 1

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Cost: FREE + $2 parking fee

Location: Santa Clarita Valley SBDC Offices

Seating is limited and RSVP’s are required to hold your seat. Please RSVP to sbdc(at)canyons.edu or call 661-362-5900.

Follow this link for information about this program: http://www2.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/index.html.

The Santa Clarita Valley SBDC is proud and pleased to be able to bring this top-notch additional resource to our small business clients. For additional information on the program contact Long Beach SBDC staff at 562-938-5054 ask for Ryin Amador or you may email inquiries to 10000sb(at)lbcc.edu.