A YEAR-LONG PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS & ENTREPRENEURS
Small businesses — including those owned by GGU’s alumni network of attorneys, financial
planners, CPAs, psychologists, consultants, and entrepreneurs — have been creating
more than half of all jobs in the United States since the 1970s. Since 1990, while
corporate America eliminated 4 million jobs, small businesses have added 8 million
new jobs.
To help aspiring entrepreneurs/business owners, GGU launched a Small Business Program,
made possible by support from Chevron.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 4, 2020
Due to the Corona Virus we will be postponing the summer session of Small Business
and Entrepreneurship program.
We will resume the program in the fall.
Applications will start being accepted on July 1, 2020 for our September program.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year-long program includes the following:
10-WEEK PROGRAM
Covers the fundamentals of starting a practice or small business and will result in
a polished, finished business plan to guide your launch. The workshops will be led
by experienced faculty and alumni that have their own practices / businesses, giving
valuable insight and tips to start your own business.
MENTORING-ONE YEAR
Upon completion of the 10-week workshop, you will be paired with an experienced practitioner
to help guide business growth, answer questions and offer advice throughout one year.
Please note: mentors will only be assigned to students that have attended the entire
10-week workshop.
COHORT MEETINGS
Leveraging the strength of the cohort, you will meet with faculty every other month
to review progress, share stories of success and challenges and receive targeted assistance
as needed.
A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
The goal is for you to have launched your company by the end of the program. In addition,
through other cohort members, mentors, and alumni, you will have built a powerful
network of support as you continue to grow your business.
Participants of the program will be expected to:
- Start a practice/business before the end of the year-long program (June 2020).
- Attend all classes, workshops and events.
- Support fellow alumni.
- Be a mentor in the future.
If you are not able to commit to any of the above activities, please delay your application
until you are able to fully participate in the program.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants will be evaluated based on their desire and commitment to starting a practice/business
over the next year, the amount of thought and planning they have already put in, and
the resources they have available to them to implement their goal of establishing
their practice/small business. Please note: there is NO enrollment fee for the program due to a generous grant from
Chevron.
INSTRUCTIONS
Write a brief statement of intent outlining your business, resources, experience,
and commitment and e-mail your current business plan to:
If you are selected for consideration in the program, there will be a follow-up phone
interview to determine final acceptance into the program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by Friday, September 4, 2020.
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Participants accepted to the program will be notified by Friday, September 18, 2020.
PROGRAM START
Classes begin Saturday, September 26, 2020. (Note: class will not be held on November 28 due to
Thanksgiving)
HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS & WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE?
As an experienced small business owner, your wisdom, drawn from your real-life lessons,
can provide valuable insights to aspiring small businesses owners. To make the Small
Business Program vibrant, we are seeking assistance from GGU alumni to be speakers,
members of panel discussions, instructors or mentors.
Please email us at [email protected] to let us know how your expertise might best be applied to the program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I participate in the Small Business/Entrepreneurship Program remotely?
Unfortunately, the Small Business/Entrepreneurship Program is only available in-person
in San Francisco at this time.
I have a conflict on one/some of the class meeting dates. Is it possible to miss a
session(s) and still participate in the course?
In order to participate, you must be able to commit to all ten class meetings.
Is it possible to participate if I cannot attend for the full 9:00 am – noon time
frame?
In order to participate, you must be able to arrive on time and stay for the full
class meeting.
How many students will be accepted into this program?
We are able to accept a maximum of 25 students.
Is it ok to bring a friend or family member to sit in on a class?
Although we would like to be able to accommodate guests, we restrict attendance to
only those who are part of the course due to limited seating capacity.
I am planning to drive to campus. Does Golden Gate University have a parking lot?
No, but there are many public parking lots nearby. You can view available parking
in the area by visiting bestparking.com.
I am planning to take public transportation. What is the easiest way to get there?
Public transit directions are available here.
Is it possible to change my business idea after submitting my application?
Once you are in the program you may be able to pivot from your original plan after
consulting with instructors.
If I’m working on a business with another person/other people would we submit our
application together?
No, each individual must submit their own application for review.
