Great Falls College has hired Amie Thompson to lead the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Montana and the region.
Great Falls College has partnered with Goldman Sachs to deliver the free business education program as part of its $100 million Investment in Rural Communities. The first Montana cohort of small businesses will begin the program in March, before expanding to other states in the region.
“I’m very excited to join the Great Falls College team and am looking forward to helping grow small businesses in Montana and the region,” said Thompson, who worked as a journalist in Montana and Idaho for about 20 years before working in communications at NorthWestern Energy for about seven years.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has helped more than 16,000 entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital and support services with its 12-week, all-expenses-paid program.
Through this free program, participants gain practical skills including negotiation, marketing and employee management that can immediately be implemented. Additionally, participating small business owners receive the tools and professional support necessary to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that can help take their business to the next level.
Goldman Sachs launched the $100 million Investment in Rural Communities in 2023 with plans to reach small business owners in 20 states over five years.
Across the United States, 10,000 Small Businesses graduates are increasing their revenues and creating new jobs in their communities. Recent survey data found that following completion of the program, 60% of rural small business owners reported adding new jobs, 68% reported increased revenues and 84% believe their business is more resilient.
According to the program’s 2024 Impact Report, alumni of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses represent more than $27.7 billion in revenue and nearly 310,000 employees across the country, spanning a variety of backgrounds and industries. These entrepreneurs have been positively affected by the program and 99% are likely to recommend it to others.
“Not only does Amie have an excellent professional background, as a native Montanan from a small, rural area, she understands the important role small businesses have in their communities,” said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and Dean of Great Falls College. “Amie is also a connector who will bring people together to help rural businesses thrive. We are eager for the Montana class to start in March.”
About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing a comprehensive business education program and access to capital and business support services. To date, 10,000 Small Businesses has served over 16,000 small businesses across the United States. The program has reached businesses from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.gs.com/10ksb.
