Miami Dade College (MDC) recently celebrated five years of educating local businesses on strategies for growth through the acclaimed Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative.
More than 435 business owners have graduated from 15 cohorts at MDC, with participants from throughout South Florida representing more than 30 industries. The program was launched at MDC’s Freedom Tower in 2013 with the announcement by MDC’s president Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón of a five-year, $5 million commitment from the Goldman Sachs Foundation. Goldman Sachs Foundation recently renewed the commitment for a sixth year.
MDC’s provost, Dr. Lenore Rodicio, delivered the keynote address at the celebration and highlighted some of the remarkable achievements made by program alumni. Many graduates have seen significant revenue growth in their businesses since graduation and several have qualified for the nationwide INC 5000 magazine list of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.
Five alumni received awards from 10KSB at MDC in the following categories: Claudio Sorrentino of Body Details for the Largest Dollar Increase in Revenues; Antonio Noa of Three Sixty Energy Solutions Corp. for the Greatest Increase in Percentage Revenue Growth; Darrell Searcy of Chandler, Campbelle and Daschle for Largest Number of Jobs Created; Danny Sibai of Link2City for
The Greatest Percentage Increase in Job Creation, and Saliha Nelson of Urgent Inc. for Outstanding Social Impact by improving the lives of underserved South Florida youth.
The celebration included several alumni activities including a lively speed-networking session that fostered new business collaborations and a human resources workshop titled “How to Attract and Retain Top Talent in a Competitive Job Market,” led by Chris Collie, a 10KSB faculty member. The evening concluded with a dinner and continued alumni networking.
“We are so very proud that 436 10KSB alumni represent over $760 million in aggregate baseline revenues and more than 7,800 employees serving to provide support for up to 7,800 South Florida families,” said John Hall, executive director of 10KSB at MDC. “These blue-collar entrepreneurs represent the heart of our entrepreneurial economy.”
The 10KSB curriculum includes one-on-one advice, clinics, and workshops administered by subject matter experts. Goldman Sachs professionals also serve as panelists and judges for “Rocket Pitches,” which allow business owners to practice their business pitch to a potential lender or investor. Participants also learn to identify and evaluate growth opportunities, understand financial statements, hire, retain and lead employees, negotiate successfully and create a comprehensive growth plan.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Owner or co-owner of a business;
Business in operation for at least two years;
Business revenues of at least $150,000 in the most recent fiscal year, and
Minimum of four employees, including the owner.
To participate in Cohort 17 of MDC’s 10KSB program (starting May 15), visit www.10KSBapply.com to apply or call 305-237-7824. The deadline to apply for Cohort 17 is Feb. 14.
