Best Resources for Black Women in Business at Goldman Sachs
You've built something real. Now you're ready to scale it, but you're looking for support that actually understands the landscape you're navigating as a Black woman entrepreneur. The good news? Goldman Sachs and partners are literally investing $10 billion into making sure you have access to the tools, mentorship, and network to grow. Let's break down what's available and how to position yourself to benefit from these game-changing resources.
The Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Initiative Explained
In 2021, Goldman Sachs launched One Million Black Women, a $10 billion commitment designed specifically to support Black women entrepreneurs and drive measurable economic growth in Black-owned businesses. Think of it as a signal that major capital is finally backing what we already know: Black women entrepreneurs are incredible investments.
Within this broader initiative sits the Black in Business Program, and here's the part that matters most to you right now: it's completely free. No application fees, no hidden costs. This is philanthropic funding at work, with $100 million dedicated to ensuring access to business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The program is built for solopreneurs and early-stage business owners who are ready to level up but might not have the capital or connections to do it alone. If that's you, or if you're on that cusp, this is worth your immediate attention. Fall 2026 cohort applications are open right now.
What Black Women in Business Goldman Sachs Program Actually Offers
Let's get specific. Here's what you're getting when you join:
Business Education Resources: Structured guidance on everything from financial management to scaling operations. These aren't generic "business basics" modules. They're designed with the specific challenges and opportunities you face in mind.
Mentorship Connections: Direct access to experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who've navigated similar paths. This is the real currency here. A mentor who understands your market can compress years of learning into months.
Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with other Black women business owners. Your network is your net worth, and this program intentionally creates spaces for you to connect with peers, collaborators, and potential partners.
Tools and Guidance: Practical frameworks and templates to help you grow your business faster. Think business planning tools, financial tracking resources, and growth strategy worksheets.
The whole thing is designed around one goal: helping you build a sustainable, profitable business without the isolation that often comes with entrepreneurship.
Why This Matters Beyond the Free Education
Yes, free is amazing. But the real value runs deeper.
Black women entrepreneurs face significantly fewer funding opportunities and less access to venture capital than other groups. This creates a compounding disadvantage when you're trying to scale. The Goldman Sachs program directly counters that by putting resources, mentorship, and networks directly in your hands.
When you're part of a cohort of Black women entrepreneurs all moving forward together, you're not just getting education. You're building what we call a "success circle." You're creating accountability partners, potential collaborators, and a support system that understands your wins and your setbacks.
This is exactly the kind of intentional community and peer-to-peer learning that SYG has been building for years. The difference? You've now got $100 million in philanthropic backing behind the same concept.
Want to help?
How to Apply and What You Need to Know
The Fall 2026 cohort is accepting applications right now. Here's what you should do:
Check Your Eligibility: The program is designed for Black women solopreneurs and early-stage business owners. If you own your business (even if it's still part-time), you likely qualify.
Gather Your Information: You'll need basic details about your business, your goals for growth, and why you're ready to commit to the program. Have these written down before you start the application.
Be Clear About Your Goals: What are you trying to achieve in the next 12 months? More revenue? Better systems? Expanded product lines? Be specific. The program matches you with resources and mentors based on your actual needs.
Apply Early: Cohorts fill up. Don't wait until the deadline is days away.
Real talk: The application process exists to ensure you're serious about growth and that you'll actually show up for the program. Treat it like the opportunity it is.
Combining This With Your Broader Business Community
Here's what we recommend: use the Goldman Sachs Black in Business Program as your core education and mentorship layer, and pair it with membership in communities like SYG that bring together Black women entrepreneurs for ongoing support, networking events, and peer learning beyond the formal program. The two complement each other beautifully.
Why? Because while the Goldman Sachs program is structured, time-bound, and specific to education and mentorship, a membership community offers year-round access to your people. You get to celebrate wins as they happen, troubleshoot challenges with women who get it, and access networking events that create real business opportunities.
Think of it like this: Goldman Sachs gives you the intensive education and expert mentorship. Your community gives you the sisterhood, ongoing support, and real-world collaboration opportunities that keep you moving forward long after the cohort ends.
Making the Most of Your Time in the Program
If you get in (and you should apply), here's how to maximize every moment:
Show up fully to mentorship sessions. Come with specific questions, not vague challenges.
Build relationships with cohort members beyond the formal programming. Some of your best collaborators and partners are likely sitting in those sessions with you.
Implement what you learn immediately. Don't wait until the program ends to test out new strategies or frameworks.
Document your progress. Track the changes you make, the revenue impact, the systems you build. You'll want to celebrate this later.
The program is only as valuable as the action you take with it. Goldman Sachs is handing you the tools and connections. Your job is to use them.
Building Your Complete Success Strategy
Black women in business at the level you're operating deserve more than scattered resources. You deserve integrated support that combines formal education, expert mentorship, peer community, and ongoing professional development.
Start with the Goldman Sachs Black in Business Program for structured growth and expert guidance. Then layer in a community like SYG for the sisterhood, the networking, and the year-round accountability that keeps you moving forward. Together, these create a foundation for real, sustainable business growth.
The resources are there. The only question is whether you're ready to claim them.
Who qualifies for the Goldman Sachs Black in Business Program?
The program is designed for Black women who own their own business, whether you're a solopreneur, have a small team, or are in the early stages of building something bigger. If you own your business and are ready to invest in your growth, you likely qualify. Check the official program details during the application window to confirm specific eligibility requirements for the cohort you're applying to.
Is there really no cost to participate?
Yes, the program is completely free. This is philanthropic funding at work. There are no hidden fees, no premium tiers, and no upsells.
How long is the program, and what's the time commitment?
Cohort structures vary, but most programs run 12 weeks to several months with weekly sessions or modules. The exact time commitment will be outlined in your application materials. Many women say it's worth it because the business growth and network you build pays dividends for years afterward.
What happens after the program ends?
You'll have completed the formal curriculum and built relationships with mentors and cohort members, but your growth journey doesn't stop. Many participants continue connecting with their cohort peers, implement the strategies they learned, and seek out ongoing community (like membership in professional networks) to maintain momentum and keep learning alongside other Black women entrepreneurs.
Want to help?
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