Mayor Parker, Goldman Sachs and HCC Announce 10,000 Small Businesses

As part of a 5-year national initiative, the Goldman Sachs Foundation is committing $25 million to help Houston small businesses grow through access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. Small business owners selected to participate in Houston Community College’s 10,000 Small Businesses education program will receive a full scholarship covering tuition and program materials, one-on-one business advising, and will engage in diverse business networking opportunities.

HCC is the fourth community college in the nation selected for this $500 million dollar, nation-wide initiative.  Dr. Maya Durnovo, NW College Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, and Executive Director of 10,000 Small Businesses will lead a team to deliver a groundbreaking training program developed by Babson College, ranked number one in the nation in collegiate entrepreneurship.

The program is designed for existing small business owners who will create a growth plan to raise revenue and increase personnel. The opportunity for loan funding will be available this summer and will be administered by the University of Houston Small Business Development Center, a 10,000 Small Businesses strategic partner.

The first two classes or cohorts begin May 13 at HCC Northwest and Southeast Colleges. The Southeast College cohort is scheduled on Saturdays from May through September; the NW College cohort is an accelerated schedule (five Friday-Saturday week-ends) from May through July.  Interested small business owners can learn more and apply at www.hccs.edu/10ksb.  For questions email 10ksb@hccs.edu or call 713-718-8348.

	Dr. Mary Spangler, HCC Chancellor with 10,000 Small Businesses Directors at Mayor Parker’s press conference 2/24/11; Left to Right: Tiffany Champagne, Project Director SE, Dr. Mary Spangler, Chancellor, Dr. Maya Durnovo, Executive Director, Sandra Louvier, Project Director, NW.