John F.W. Rogers: Opening Session Remarks

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program has graduated 6,752 businesses and is currently hosting 2,200 graduates from 10,000 businesses at its largest annual gathering, with equal attendance broadcast remotely.

Small businesses currently provide employment for approximately 60 million people, representing just under half of the U.S. workforce.

These firms are characterized as a diverse, resilient, and dynamic source of employment that contributes significantly to the American economy's ability to adapt to technological change.

Summit organizers have identified top challenges faced by resource-constrained small firms as attracting new employees, managing hiring processes, training staff, securing financing, and accessing credit.

Participants are demanding specific incentives, relief measures, and a regulatory regime designed to mitigate daily operational challenges and facilitate growth.

The event agenda focuses on providing actionable insights to bridge the gap between current business expectations and future operational capabilities.

A scheduled "Hill Day" event will mobilize 10,000 Small Business Program alumni to meet with elected officials in 347 of 435 congressional districts and all 50 states.

The purpose of this lobbying effort is to elevate the voices of small business leaders to address legislative barriers and drive tangible progress on key economic issues.

Goldman Sachs aims to utilize this gathering to amplify the collective influence of small business owners in national policy conversations and congressional dialogues.