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Entrepreneurs Learn Skills From Goldman Sachs Program To Grow Small Businesses

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Nutter ran into bright minds left and right when meeting with small business owners at a networking event at the Community College of Philadelphia. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is designed to give entrepreneurs an edge.

CEO Cassandra Bailey of Slice Communications, who graduated from the Intensive Business Education program last year, told the 20 new graduates she has hired four new people, and grew net operating revenue by 1,300% last year.

"My focus right now is to figure out how to bring PR, social media and e-mail marketing together to help other businesses grow and add jobs." said Bailey.

Participants absorb detailed, step-by-step plans to grow their revenue and create jobs at rates that outperform the broader economy.

New graduate Alex Gilbert of design studio Punk Avenue, abbreviated for its Passyunk Ave location in South Philly, helps businesses build websites and marketing operations.

"I've been able to embrace my role as a leader in the company." said Gilbert. "My background is as a software developer and designer."

Another new graduate was grateful for the info, saying "We learned so much, it was like drinking from a fire hose."

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