OWNING AND RUNNING a small business
can be overwhelming and confusing at
times. While entrepreneurs often end up
in business while chasing a passion, many
do not have the formal training to wear
all the hats necessary for running a suc-
cessful company.
As one of the owners of West Virginia
Executive magazine, I was given a unique
opportunity to learn about all aspects of
business from the best. This fall, I partici-
pated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses (10KSB) program.
The goal of 10KSB, according to its web-
site, is “to help entrepreneurs create jobs
and economic opportunity by providing
access to education, capital and business
support services.” The program is taught
by staff across the country in partner-
ship with Babson College in Babson Park,
MA. Each cohort is 12 weeks long and is
primarily web-based with two in-person
visits to Babson.
Since the inception of the program,
10KSB has worked with more than 8,000
scholars from all 50 states. The eighth
cohort, in which I participated, included
154 scholars and represented $345 million
in total revenue and 3,597 total employees/
contractors.
This program was an incredible experi-
ence that allowed me to spend time creat-
ing a clear plan for our company’s growth.
Kensie with her growth group at
the first face-to-face session of
10KSB at Babson College.
Kensie with fellow West Virginia
small business owner Zach Abraham
of AlignHR at Babson College.
There was also a focus on measuring re-
sults and tracking the metrics to ensure that
what business owners like myself are doing
is actually helping us achieve our goals.
The program’s application process was
rigorous and required not only financial
information but also personal reflection
and a focus on future growth. To be eligi-
ble to apply for the 10KSB program, ap-
plicants must:
If you are a small business owner who
needs access to education, capital and a
network of advisors to take your com-
pany to the next level, I highly recom-
mend the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program.
Small businesses are the backbone of the
economy—both nationally and in West
Virginia—and quality tools like those of-
fered through this program are the key to
growth and success.
• Be a small business owner or small
business co-owner;
• Have been in business for at least two years;
• Have business revenue of more than
$150,000 in the most recent fiscal year; and
• Have a minimum of four employees,
including the owner.
DESIGN BUILD
CONTRACTOR
CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT
CONSULTING
PHONE: (304) 727-2770
WEBSITE: paramountwv.com
6
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE