Golden Opportunity: New Partnership Powers Entrepreneurial Success in Eastern Connecticut

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut proudly announces a strategic new partnership with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program. This collaboration forms a powerful two-phase entrepreneurial pipeline designed to guide local business owners from startup to scalable success.

At the heart of this initiative is the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Academy, which now serves as a “Phase One” launch pad in the development pathway. This 8-week program is designed to educate aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs by providing them with essential education in key areas such as business model development, financial literacy, legal structure, and marketing and operations strategy. Participants benefit from facilitated training, one-on-one mentorship, peer collaboration, and exposure to the Chamber’s vibrant regional business network.

Upon completion, graduates will be primed to take the next step: “Phase Two,” Goldman Sachs’ acclaimed 10,000 Small Businesses program. This competitive, 12-week national initiative is designed for business owners ready to scale. It delivers advanced training in strategic growth, leadership, and financial management, while also offering participants access to a nationwide peer network, one-on-one advising, and access to capital - all in partnership with top-tier business schools and institutions.

“This partnership creates a seamless pipeline for business owners to move from idea to impact,” states Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “By connecting the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Academy class with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses high-impact curriculum, we’re encouraging entrepreneurs to build strong foundations in our region, then continue their learning journey to maximize their growth potential.”

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a free national program with 96% completion rate, designed to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing access to education, capital, and business support services.  Sixty-six percent of program alumni report increased revenues in just six months post-graduation, and 44% have created new jobs six months post-graduation. Additionally, 85% of alumni do business with each other. Participants from any U.S. state, including Connecticut, may join the program through the National Cohort, delivered virtually in partnership with Babson College. Entrepreneur Academy graduates will be directed to the in-person cohort at nearby Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).

The collective initiative reflects a shared belief: that small businesses, when supported intentionally and strategically,  can become engines of economic vitality for the region. By combining local mentorship with world-class resources, the Chamber and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program are ensuring that entrepreneurs in eastern Connecticut have a clear, actionable path to sustainable success.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing almost half of all U.S. workers and representing 99.9% of U.S. businesses. In Connecticut and Rhode Island, small businesses drive our local economies and contribute positively to our communities,” said Thao Dang, Outreach and Alumni Director for the 10,000 Small Businesses program at CCRI.

“Our collaboration with the Chamber allows us to reach entrepreneurs earlier in their journey and better prepare them to grow their revenues and create more jobs.”

The Community College of Rhode Island will take part in the Chamber’s 2025 Entrepreneur Academy sessions this fall to enrich participants about this opportunity and encourage them to apply to the Goldman Sachs program when ready.  

Applications for the next cohort of the Entrepreneur Academy open mid-July. 

For more information on enrollment, visit: https://chamberect.com/entrepreneur-academy.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: 

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is dedicated to advancing a vibrant, sustainable business community. Through thoughtful advocacy, innovative programming, and collaboration, we meet the needs of our members while shaping the region’s future. Explore more about our vision and programming by visiting ChamberECT.com.

 About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses:

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.. With a curriculum designed by Babson College – the top entrepreneurial college in the country -- the program is free for participants and is delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country. To date, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has served 16,000+ businesses in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Full program details at: 10KSBapply.com.