$100M for Rural Small Businesses: Don’t Miss This Opportunity

If you’re a small business owner in a rural community in Alabama, Indiana, Montana, or South Carolina, this is one of those opportunities worth paying attention to.

Goldman Sachs has expanded its well-known 10,000 Small Businesses program with a specific focus on rural America—and it’s not just another grant announcement. It’s a $100 million investment aimed at helping small businesses grow, scale, and compete in today’s economy. (goldmansachs.com)

One important detail: This program is fully funded, meaning accepted businesses do not pay to participate.

What “Growing with Rural America” Actually Is

This initiative builds on Goldman Sachs’ long-running 10,000 Small Businesses program, which provides:

• Hands-on business education

• Access to capital and funding pathways

• One-on-one advising and mentorship

• A nationwide network of entrepreneurs

The goal is to help rural businesses grow revenue, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

This rural-focused expansion is designed to reach small business owners who often have fewer resources available compared to larger metro areas.

What You Actually Get (And Why It’s Valuable)

This is not a traditional “grant check” program.

Instead, it’s a structured business growth program—often valued at thousands of dollars—that includes:

• A multi-week curriculum focused on real-world business challenges

• Training in marketing, financial management, hiring, and operations

• Development of a customized growth plan for your business

• Direct access to advisors and peer networks

Participants also gain access to a network of more than 17,000 alumni nationwide, creating long-term relationships and opportunities beyond the program.

Real Results (Not Just Theory)

This program has a track record.

Across the country:

• A majority of participants report revenue growth after completing the program

• Many businesses report adding jobs and expanding operations

These outcomes reflect the difference between simply receiving funding and gaining a structured path to growth. (goldmansachs.com)

Who Should Apply

While requirements can vary slightly by location, most applicants need to:

• Be an owner or co-owner of a small business

• Have been in operation for at least two years

• Generate at least $75,000 in annual revenue

• Have employees on payroll

The program is expanding into multiple states, with a strong emphasis on rural communities that may not traditionally have access to this level of support.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Small Towns

Small businesses are the backbone of rural communities.

They:

• Create jobs

• Keep money circulating locally

• Drive activity in downtown districts

• Shape the identity of a community

But they also face unique challenges, including limited access to capital, workforce constraints, and fewer training opportunities.

Programs like this are designed to close those gaps.

It’s not just about helping one business grow—it’s about strengthening entire local economies.

How to Apply

You can explore the program and apply directly here:https://www.goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/us/news-and-program-information/growing-with-rural-america

Applications are typically offered in cohorts, so it’s worth checking availability in your region.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often—especially ones backed by a major institution like Goldman Sachs.

For small-town business owners looking to grow, this program offers more than funding. It provides strategy, structure, and a network that can have a lasting impact.

In today’s environment, growth isn’t just about working harder. It’s about connecting to the right resources—and using them to move forward with purpose.