Growth and Community: S2’s Helen Todd Graduates Small Business Program

Small businesses are an essential part of any healthy economy, but they often face unique challenges when it comes to growth and job creation. 

That’s why Goldman Sachs launched the 10,000 Small Businesses program, a $500 million initiative designed to unlock the potential of small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. For over a decade, this program has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs in their communities. 

Sociality Squared co-Founder and CEO Helen Todd has always been passionate about entrepreneurial growth and community engagement, whether that community is based around a geographic location, a digital space, or a brand. That’s why she was so excited to participate in the Ohio location of the 12-week program with a cohort of inspirational small business owners from the Cincinnati area.

To learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and what Helen’s participation means for Sociality Squared clients, continue reading below.

Growth and Community: S2’s Helen Todd Graduates Small Business Program

What is the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program?

For over a decade, the Goldman Sachs program has provided business education, support services, and pathways to capital for thousands of growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants in the program gain practical skills to take their business to the next level by developing an actionable growth strategy with the help of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. 

With a best-in-class curriculum delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country, the program helps small business owners grow their revenue and create jobs at a higher rate than the national average — even 18 months after graduating, according to a report developed by Babson College. 

In fact, graduates consistently outperform the broader economy. Additionally, with 86% of graduates subsequently doing business together, program alumni represent a tight-knit community of entrepreneurs who support each other professionally, commercially, and personally. 

The 10,000+ graduates of the program represent a robust network comprising 200,000 total employees and $14 billion in total revenue.

Small businesses have a big impact, indeed.

How Does Helen’s Participation in the Program Benefit Sociality Squared Clients?

The growth plan Helen developed through the program was focused on elevating Sociality Squared’s unique Report Card and Action Plan, as well as on refining processes throughout S2’s operations. 

Both of these objectives have direct benefits for those who work with S2 on content and social media marketing. 

The more we enhance and develop S2’s internal processes, the more our team is able to leverage those processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness in their work for our clients. 

Furthermore, as Sociality Squared pursues the productization of key aspects of our skills and services, we can reach a wider net of clients to help. 

In particular, our Report Card and Action Plan process, which evaluates a brand’s social media presence and provides a roadmap for making the most meaningful impact, is a key tool we use in helping businesses achieve their goals. By focusing on perfecting this process, Helen utilized the program to zero in on targeted, practical advantages for our clients’ bottom line. 

Finally, as S2 grows, so does our capability to expand our offerings, work with more clients, and foster a thriving community of dedicated social media and content marketing professionals.

A Community of Entrepreneurs

Helen was honored and thrilled to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program with a wonderful cohort of Cincinnati-area small business owners (many of whom were women!). 

In particular, a shout-out goes to Fellow Scholar Keri Witman, Founder and President of Clever Lucy, a woman-owned digital marketing startup made up of big agency veterans who found a better way to serve their clients. 

Helen’s connection with Keri at the Goldman Sachs program has already led to Sociality Squared and Clever Lucy working together on a client project. Their collaboration is built on shared values and a focus on results-driven strategy. 

To learn about other members of Helen’s cohort whose small businesses deserve your attention, scroll down to find a list below.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Helen is currently preparing to attend the largest gathering of small business owners ever — the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in the Washington, DC Metro Area from Monday, July 18 through Wednesday, July 20, 2022. 

She is excited to hear from world-class industry leaders, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and policymakers on best practices for growing small businesses, recruiting and retaining talent, building a brand, honing leadership skills, and driving bottom-line profitability. 

If you will be in attendance at this event, reach out here to connect with Helen ahead of time. 

Both this Summit and the 10,000 Small Businesses program are exceptional opportunities to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience that translate to benefits for S2 clients…not to mention celebrating the impact America’s small business owners have on our communities and economy. 

To learn more about what Sociality Squared can do for your business, reach out today.

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