HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program drives entrepreneurial successes
Jan 23, 2024
A recent meeting of participants in the HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.
A philosophy of abundance rings true in the many ways Houston Community College (HCC) is helping entrepreneurs in the community.
HCC has successfully cultivated a robust small business support ecosystem, marked by inclusivity and tailored assistance throughout various stages of an entrepreneur’s journey. Central to this success is the college’s foundational partnership with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which this month is celebrating its 1,000th Houston graduate.
“Houston is an excellent place to run a small business,” said Maya Durnovo, HCC associate vice chancellor of entrepreneurial initiatives. “Whether you are trying to figure out how to turn your side hustle into a full-time commitment, grappling with a challenge, or considering how to grow to your next $1 million in revenue, HCC has a way to support you.”
The 10,000 Small Businesses program at HCC began in 2011. The 10-week program focuses on business growth at no cost to participants. It includes education with expert faculty and capital and business support services with experienced coaches.
Amazingly, six months after completing the program, 67 percent of small business owners report revenue growth and 44 percent report job growth, Durnovo said.
The program recently graduated its 1,000th small business entrepreneur. Throughout the decade the program has existed, just under 20,000 jobs have been created with $1.9 billion in annual revenues reported. The program boasts industries like construction, health care, hospitality and professional services. Such businesses employ people who reflect the city’s rich mix of ethnic populations.
Take the story of Javier Rolon, CEO and founder of American Infrastructure Maintenance Management. His Houston-based company provides operations and maintenance services for roads, bridges and toll roads in the public and private sector in Texas and Florida.
At the start of the pandemic, Rolon struggled to maintain his operations, but persisted through the assistance of Small Business Administration funding. He then subsequently joined 10,000 Small Businesses in 2021 with his sights set on further growth.
Since then, Rolon has more than doubled his staff to 100 people and nearly tripled the number of active contracts AIMM manages to 35. In part, he attributes the lessons he learned in the 10KSB program. He was also able to cultivate an advisory board, which led to relationships with business partners including banks so he could establish a line of credit to grow his business.
“The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Houston Community College truly helped me by providing the tools and resources as a small business owner to grow the business exponentially so that we as a business can give back to the community,” Rolon said “We were able to leverage the knowledge and business support to create business opportunities for others and support so many Houstonians and their families in the community.”
“The Goldman Sachs program is the 'jewel in crown’ of business education because it takes practical knowledge and makes it available to business owners who participate,” Durnovo said.
HCC has also launched three Centers of Entrepreneurship, the Houston Minority Business Development Agency Business Center, and built partnerships with local banks and nonprofits like AARP. The program has four retired entrepreneurs-in-residence to provide educational support, advice and funding to participants.
“The 10KSB program reflects HCC’s efforts to help our communities thrive,” said HCC Interim Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “It can serve as a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to successfully thrive and grow their businesses while serving the broader community. We’re enormously proud of it.”