Goldman Sachs makes online business education tool free for female entrepreneurs

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

In challenging business times, Goldman Sachs is to make its online business education programme ‘10,000 Women’ free to access, offering valuable support for female entrepreneurs and small business owners.  

With the current global climate a difficult one for entrepreneurs and small businesses, the need for practical support is greater than ever. Online learning is taking centre stage in our newly socially distanced world; and in response, Goldman Sachs recently announced that its ‘10,000 Women’ initiative will be free to access – offering a powerful lifeline in challenging times.  

The online business education programme, which launched in 2008, provides women entrepreneurs around the world with practical business and management education, covering everything from finance and operations to leadership, marketing and negotiation. It also offers access to capital through the first global finance facility dedicated to women entrepreneurs, the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF). 

Originally designed to help women in emerging economies, the programme has, to-date, empowered over 10,000 participants across 100 countries. Now, as part of the drive to help as many women in business as possible during the global health crisis, the eligibility criteria has been lifted - and courses will also be available in Spanish and Portuguese as well as English to further extend its reach. 

Charlotte Keenan, Global Head of ‘10,000 Women’, says, ‘Goldman Sachs is committed to ensuring that small businesses globally have the support they need to thrive. Our ‘10,000 Women’ course helps small businesses manage their day-to-day and plan for what’s ahead, while sharing best practices with other women entrepreneurs.’ 

The flexible online course has ten discrete modules to choose from and no time limit to complete them in, with the opportunity to take any course, or combination of courses, to strengthen business knowledge, skills and create plans for growth, even when times are tough.  

‘When ‘10,000 Women’ asked me about my business plan, I was shocked to say that I didn’t have one,” says Mónica Barrena, CEO of Mexican light manufacturer Ulalight and ‘10,000 Women’ graduate. ‘After this programme I feel more in control and more secure. You get to really see each part of your business – and that’s crucial.’  

In addition to practical business tools, female entrepreneurs also have access to mentoring and the chance to become part of a powerful network of like-minded female business owners. Women who complete all 10 courses can join the ‘10,000 Women Alumni Community’, offering further resources and events including networking receptions and additional training.  

In uncertain times, agility, clarity and sharp business skills are needed to move forward. A resource such as the ’10,000’ Women programme not only offers the chance to learn and hone valuable skills, but a forum through which entrepreneurs and small business leaders can support, inspire and help each other.  

‘After the programme […] I was able to start thinking like a leader,’ says Sweta Kesur, Founder and CEO of Indian cleaning and waste management marketplace company Miemaw Technologies. ‘It gave me a clear roadmap for the future of my company.’