This October, I attended the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (GS 10KSB) luncheon. The event was held to announce Goldman Sachs’ additional investment of $5 Million into the Southern California region’s program and included a panel featuring Goldman Sachs COO Gary Cohn,  LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. Ronda Jackson, owner of Decor Interior Design, effectively moderated the discussion with wit and insight from her experience as a successful entrepreneur and 10KSB alumna.

In addition to being held in the beautiful, recently-renovated Union Station, the event had such an air of possibility, hope and promise. The highlight of the event for me was Anita G. Ron of Briteworks Inc. Janitorial who shared her experience starting a a business with only $700 and two vacuums. With her initiative, lessons gained from practical experience, and then, training and technical assistance from GS 10KSB, she grew her business to $2.7M in revenue, a roster of corporate clients and tens of employees! I was so moved by this story. It reinforced for me the power of entrepreneurship to dramatically change the trajectory of people’s lives. It also demonstrates the reach and impact of strategic and well-implemented programs. Through the vision and efforts of individuals, combined with effectively executed programs, there is a ripple effect of economic opportunity and an increase in quality services in communities.

Anita applied skills and utilized networks to the benefit of her business. All business owners should follow Anita’s lead and connect with organizations and people that share a commitment to their business’ success! Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business is one such program. For more information about it, please click here.