WE HAVE A GRADUATE!

We have a reason to celebrate around the empire — one of our fearless boss ladies has graduated from a rigorous program here in Iowa. Melissa applied for The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program to gain practical business education, to get to know a larger network of support and other small businesses in Iowa, and to explore options to expand and grow the company. At 818, one of our values is “life-long learning” — to always be continually learning, growing, and becoming more connected. We look forward to implementing many of the things Melissa learned, and fostering the relationships she built within the program. We are so proud of you, Melissa! 

#MAKESMALLBIG

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Scholars in Iowa Complete Program
Thirty-six Iowa small business owners from 20 towns complete nationally-recognized program

(Ankeny, Iowa) – Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), along with Iowa’s 14 other community colleges, today announced the completion of the second Iowa class of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. The 36 scholars from across the state represent a diverse range of business and industry including a co-working community, managed IT services, animal care and services, millwork, and cosmetics.

“We’re incredibly gratified, but not at all surprised, by the early success of 10,000 Small Businesses in Iowa,” said Katherine Jollon Colsher, National Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. “We brought the program to the state given its vibrant population of small businesses and strong commitment by local leadership, the community, and its academic institutions. We are excited to see what these graduates will achieve, for themselves, their families, their employees, and their communities.”

The scholars participated in this 100-hour curriculum, delivered through a blend of online and in-person learning, hosted at the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Class content includes a range of topics including identifying growth opportunities, refining operations processes, using financial statements, and marketing and selling. Each business owner uses their own company as a case study to ensure the unique needs of their company are addressed

“DMACC and all of the Iowa Community Colleges are proud to partner with Goldman Sachs to positively impact and encourage growth for small businesses throughout the State of Iowa,” says DMACC President Dr. Rob Denson.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has over 8,200 graduates from all fifty states, including Iowa, and is offered at no cost to those accepted. Sixty-seven percent of alumni report increased revenues six months after graduating, 47 percent report hiring employees during the same time period, and nearly 88 percent of graduates do business with one another.

 A full list of small business owners, their businesses and hometowns represented in the second class is below. For more information on the Iowa-based program, or to apply for future classes, please visit www.10KSBapply.com/Iowa.

The scholars participated in this 100-hour curriculum, delivered through a blend of online and in-person learning, hosted at the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Class content includes a range of topics including identifying growth opportunities, refining operations processes, using financial statements, and marketing and selling. Each business owner uses their own company as a case study to ensure the unique needs of their company are addressed

“DMACC and all of the Iowa Community Colleges are proud to partner with Goldman Sachs to positively impact and encourage growth for small businesses throughout the State of Iowa,” says DMACC President Dr. Rob Denson.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has over 8,200 graduates from all fifty states, including Iowa, and is offered at no cost to those accepted. Sixty-seven percent of alumni report increased revenues six months after graduating, 47 percent report hiring employees during the same time period, and nearly 88 percent of graduates do business with one another.

 A full list of small business owners, their businesses and hometowns represented in the second class is below. For more information on the Iowa-based program, or to apply for future classes, please visit www.10KSBapply.com/Iowa.

2019 GRADUATING CLASS

Melissa Alger, Weddings By Design
Ryan Berkland, Slash Point Sales
Melissa Carlson, 818 – a tiny design empire
Erica Conklin, Core Athletica Inc.
Steven Davis, Bio::Neos, Inc.
Candace Drahn, M’s Machine & Mfg. Co., Inc.
Clint Dudley, Shade Tree Auto
Deanna Faubus, B Fabulous BBQ and Catering
Steve Ferguson, Breiholz Construction Company
Leslie Foley, Bondurant Physical Therapy
Sue Gehling, Integrated Behavioral Health Services, P.C.
Jon Grannis, Sollah Interactive
Marjorie Guyler-Alaniz, FarmHer Inc
Amy Heinen, Quick Action Accounting & Business Solutions
Eric Heininger, EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting
Elizabeth Holland, Adel Veterinary Clinic
Donna Holt, Holt & Sons Sanitation
Tom Holtz, METALSOURCE, Inc.
Elizabeth Hoppe, DejaBrew
Chad Hutson, HT Plumbing Inc.
Brian Jeffrey, Jeffrey Repair Service
Jim Jensen, Trophies Plus, Inc
Christy Jones, R Jones Collision 1
Anne King, Collective Data, Inc.
Jason McArtor, Farmboy
Todd McCubbin, ShinyTop Brewing
Cheryl Ohern, Spin Markket
Brian Pederson, Blue Ribbon Pelham Waters
Amber Sampson, Sampson Family Therapy Services
Adam Schweers, Computer Concepts of Iowa
Stephen Stegall, Golden Heart Senior Care
Lisa Thilges, Prairie View Animal Hospital
Brett Vowels, Optimum Chiropractic
Katie Wold, K & D Enterprises
Geoff Wood, Gravitate Coworking
Kelsi Ziemann, KZA