Lessons from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

This past week, I graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Three short—and long—months focused on a growth goal I didn’t even have when I started.

To be honest, I was skeptical.

I knew I’d learn something (I always do). And I knew I’d connect with others—after all, we spent so much time together. But I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal.

I was wrong. This program has completely changed the trajectory of my business.

It forced me to dream bigger and—just as importantly—held me accountable for following through.

If you’ve ever thought about applying, here’s why I highly recommend it and how to make the most of the experience.

What I Learned in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

1. Be Vulnerable

It takes a special kind of openness to let what feel like strangers into your business. But they won’t stay strangers for long.

Your group becomes your team, and the more you share, the more they can support you. Lean into that tug.

I was lucky to be matched with the right group of people who became a powerful source of encouragement and accountability.

2. Trust the Process

You’ll hear this over and over: trust the process.

Even when you don’t feel like you’re learning anything new, just wait. Every module builds on the last, and sooner or later, the lesson you thought wasn’t relevant will become essential.

The structure works—if you let it.

3. Do Your Homework

The program goes by faster than you realize. If you don’t want to be scrambling last-minute, set aside time each week to stay on top of assignments.

Consistency is key. Don’t wait until you’re traveling, exhausted, and trying to pull an all-nighter (not that I would know anything about that 😉).

4. Stay Present

Life and business don’t stop just because you’re in a program. In fact, challenges will pop up right when you least want them to.

When you’re in session, be in session. Take notes. Close your email. Silence notifications.

Your future self—and your business—will thank you for creating that space to focus.

A New Business Family

The guides and faculty of the program created a structure and support system that was invaluable. And the cohort itself? A new kind of business family.

These are the people who root for you, challenge you, and remind you to keep going.

Even though no cohort will ever be quite as lit as mine 😜, I can promise the investment of time and energy is well worth it.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is more than coursework. It’s a reset button, an accelerator, and a community that pushes you beyond the limits you thought you had.

For me, it changed everything. And if you’re ready to grow your business with accountability, clarity, and the right support, it just might change everything for you, too.

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👋🏾 I’m Keila Hill-Trawick, founder of Little Fish Accounting. I help accounting firm owners grow intentionally by building the right foundation—choosing a tech stack that actually works, developing the right team, and creating systems and processes that make the firm more efficient. My goal is to help you streamline operations so you can elevate your client experience and scale without sacrificing balance.

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