The10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative is hiring startup business advisors

The10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative is part of a national investment to unlock the growth and job creation potential of small businesses. The program is based on the broadly held view of leading experts that a combination of education, business support services, and access to capital best addresses the barriers to growth for small businesses. The ultimate goal of the initiative is for the participating business owners to increase their revenues and create jobs in their community and surrounding areas.

In March 2025, a cohort of 30 Montana entrepreneurs will participate in the free, 12-week training program (see attachment). In this intensive program, the entrepreneurs identify opportunities for growth, culminating in a written growth plan and growth pitch.  The participants work in unison with assigned business advisors. The business advisors are essential to the success of the program with each business advisor supporting 5-7 business owners as they complete their deliverables.

In this paid position, the business advisor would work with the participants about 27 hours per week over 12 weeks. Most of the work would be completed via phone or virtual conferences. On site trainings would be at Great Falls College mid-March and first part of June for 2-3 days at a time. An additional 30-person cohort in another state will be launched in the fall.

A few of the responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Meets with each business owner on an individual basis approximately 8-10 times to guide business growth and completion of the Growth Plan
• Connects business owners to external Business Support Services (local entrepreneurship ecosystem) as needed for specialty services
• Participates in bi-weekly team meetings that focus on the business owner support system to identify business owners needs and brainstorm how to meet those needs using the broader delivery team network
• Coach business owners in the construction and presentation of their growth pitch
• Networks with local and regional business support services to enhance the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, be able to direct business owners their way, and to advance program recruitment
• Engages in business owner alumni program events as needed

Qualifications of the position include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, entrepreneurship, sales, or related field, is required.  Advanced degree welcomed
• A minimum of three years successful experience in business advising for a small business clientele
• Strong understanding of financial forecasting and construction of small business financial statements
• Proven ability to work in a diverse team environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently and effectively
• Strong spoken and written communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• High personal and professional ethical standards
• Ability to engage business owners in small group interactions
• Proficiency with MS Office tools (WORD, PowerPoint, Excel, e.g.) and a willingness to learn new tools (e.g., Basecamp, Canvas, LivePlan, Salesforce, Zoom, etc.)
• Emotional intelligence with ability to give feedback in a positive constructive manner

Pay would be approximately $60-$65/hour as a part time hourly employee.

If you have any interest in learning more about the opportunity to become a business advisor in this program, please contact Stephanie Erdmann, CEO/dean at Great Falls College via email at [email protected] or phone at 406-771-4310.

Small Business.
Big Impact.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has
helped entrepreneurs across the country grow
their business for over a decade by offering a
practical business training program, access to
capital providers, and personalized support
services.

Now, we are expanding, bringing this best-in-
class training program to predominantly rural
states across America. We encourage small
business owners from Montana to apply today.
Classes are delivered in-person and online. All
costs are fully covered by the Goldman Sachs
Foundation.
Eligibility
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who are ready to take the next step for their
business. We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities and
who generally meet these criteria:
Small business owner or
co-owner Business revenues over $75,000
in the most recent fiscal year Business in operation
for 2+ years Business with 2+ employees
(including the owner)
for the
Apply today
Montana cohort
Montana December 1, 2024Applications Due
March 2025Class Begins
June 2025Class Ends
Apply Now at gs.com/10ksb-montana Contact Us at [email protected]
Small businesses are a critical part
of rural economies.
This expansion of 10,000 Small
Businesses means that we’re
creating opportunity for
entrepreneurs everywhere.
Beginning in 2023, we will embed
a 10,000 Small Businesses
training team in states across the
country.
Rural Communities
Investment in
Curriculum
March 19 – 21Orientation
In-person
March 24Growth and Opportunities
Online
April 7Money and Metrics
Online
April 28It’s the People

Online
May 12Operations and Processes

Online
June 3 – 6Action for Growth
In-person
March 31Financial Statements Workshop

Online
April 21You Are the Leader
Online
May 5Marketing and Selling

Online
May 19Being Bankable

Small Business.
Big Impact.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has
helped entrepreneurs across the country grow
their business for over a decade by offering a
practical business training program, access to
capital providers, and personalized support
services.

Now, we are expanding, bringing this best-in-
class training program to predominantly rural
states across America. We encourage small
business owners from Montana to apply today.
Classes are delivered in-person and online. All
costs are fully covered by the Goldman Sachs
Foundation.
Eligibility
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who are ready to take the next step for their
business. We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities and
who generally meet these criteria:
Small business owner or
co-owner Business revenues over $75,000
in the most recent fiscal year Business in operation
for 2+ years Business with 2+ employees
(including the owner)