4:22pm | The inaugural class of a professional business program partnership between financial giant Goldman Sachs and Long Beach City College held their graduation today, after completing the twenty-week 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative course.

The graduates studied accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing at Long Beach City College. Goldman Sachs provided free one-on-one mentoring, accounting workshops and legal advice for the 28 small business owners.

“As a former small business owner, I understand the daily challenges these Long Beach businesses face,” said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. “The 28 Long Beach graduates have acquired additional skills and tools that will help their businesses grow during these difficult economic times.”

The goal of the initiative is to reach 10,000 small business owners over the next five years. Graduates from Long Beach City College were joined by an additional 24 graduates from a program at Los Angeles City College.

Many of the graduates have businesses that are located or serve Long Beach. Fred Johring runs Golden State Express, a trucking company that serves the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The program has steered Johring toward a green business model by providing him with financial and business guidance. Johring has hired nine new employees since summer 2010 and hopes to add 20 more in 2011.

“Long Beach City College is proud of our program graduates,” said LBCC President Eloy Ortiz Oakley.  “This program has made it possible for them to receive expert training and a world class business education.”

The second class of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business is currently being selected and will begin on February 11. Small business owners interested in participating in a future class should contact Long Beach City College at 562-938-5054 or visit lbcc.edu/10000smallbusiness.