The Community College of Philadelphia has announced Frances “Franne” McNeal as the new executive director of the College’s Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (10KSB).

She will be the program’s first Black executive director since it was established on campus in 2013, the same year McNeal joined the College’s 10KSB program as a business advisor.

“In my 10 years with 10KSB program, I've been able to help over 700 businesses gain the confidence and competence to ‘make small big’ for their business and their community,” said McNeal in a statement. 

Throughout her tenure with the program, McNeal has served in a variety of roles, including faculty member, business advisor and educational services director.

“As the new Executive Director, I'll work to advance the recognition of small businesses by showcasing the success of our 10KSB alumni, ensuring the continued excellence of the program itself, and strengthening partnerships with our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem,” added McNeal. 

CCP’s 10KSB program was launched in 2009 by Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation and is a $500 million investment designed to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to education, financial capital, and business support services. 

Since launched, the part-time, 14-week program has supported more than 12,000 small businesses across the country and nearly 700 business owners in the tri-state area. The program is provided at no cost to those who are accepted. 

“Community College of Philadelphia has worked tirelessly to bring this premiere entrepreneurship program to businesses in the Philadelphia metropolitan market with the generous support of the Goldman Sachs Foundation,” said Carol J. de Fries, vice president of Workforce & Economic Innovation at the College, in a statement.

“The College's mission and vision are tied to providing our business community with the tools to improve operations, grow revenue, and add jobs. The 10KSB program helps us be a leading partner in ensuring that the Greater Philadelphia region remains known for its talent, business growth, diversity, economic opportunity, and innovation,” she added. 

As Executive Director, McNeal plans to continue the excellent level of service the College’s 10KSB program provides to small businesses in terms of practical and hands-on business education, as well as ensuring that alumni continue to be engaged with the program and each other. 

She also wants to increase the visibility of the program so that even more qualified and diverse business owners are able to apply for the program and grow their business.

Prior to joining CCP, McNeal worked for the 10KSB program as an adjunct faculty member at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, NY, and has more than 25 years of experience supporting and coaching small businesses. 

The 27th cohort of the College’s Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program begins on May 9. Applications are accepted at any time. For more information on the program, click here.