CINCINNATI — Around 30 local businesses will get the opportunity to grow thanks to a program that's now coming to the Cincinnati region.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative will help entrepreneurs in the Tri-State area create jobs and boost the local economy.
"From that program, our growth is 600% since we started the program," said Journey Steel preisdent Barb Smith. Her company, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, came up through the Goldman Sachs program.
The nationally recognized program helped bring Smith's company to the forefront of the business world, along with many other businesses. Environmental and Safety Solutions in Woodlawn has also seen the benefit of this program. Its president and CEO, Lonnie Grayson, is another graduate of the program.
"In the last 4 years we were recognized twice as one of the fastest growing inner city companies by ICIC," said Smith. "That was a direct accomplishment because of the Goldman Sachs program.
The training program in Cincinnati will provide greater access to education, funding and business support services with the help of Cincinnati State.
Diversity is also key.
"We have 120 minority-owned firms who have been certified with the city and 147 women-owned businesses certified with the city," Mayor John Cranley said. "Those are some of the businesses we want to connect with 10,000 small businesses."
