JK Creative joins 2,000+ Small Businesses in Washington, DC for Goldman Sachs Summit
In October 2025, Julie Kostic, founder and creative director of JK Creative, attended the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) Summit in Washington, D.C. – a powerful three-day event bringing together more than 2,000 entrepreneurs from across the country.
Julie completed the 10,000 Small Businesses program in 2024 (read more about her experience here) and continues to stay deeply engaged with the alumni community. The Summit, held roughly every three years, is the largest national gathering of small business owners focused on education, networking, advocacy, and community building. This year’s event took place at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., just steps away from Capitol Hill.
About the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative provides entrepreneurs with access to education, capital, and business support services. Since its launch, the program has helped more than 14,000 small business owners across the U.S. accelerate growth and create jobs in their communities.
Participants complete a rigorous curriculum focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operations — building a powerful network of peers and mentors who continue to collaborate long after graduation.
Learn more about the program here: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
The Summit took over the Marriott Marquis.
Goldman Sachs always provides plenty of food and drinks.
10KSB signage on a government building.
Inspiring Speakers and Sessions at the 10KSB Summit
The Summit featured an incredible lineup of speakers spanning business, government, and culture — all focused on strengthening the backbone of the American economy: small businesses.
Attendees heard from industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs including:
Ken Langone, Co-Founder of The Home Depot
Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John, investors and “Shark Tank” personalities
Martha Stewart, Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Michael Phelps, Olympic Gold Medalist and entrepreneur
Kat Cole, CEO of AG1
Nancy Twine, Founder of Briogeo
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Senator John Fetterman and Senator Katie Britt
Asahi Pompey and David Solomon, Goldman Sachs
Throughout the sessions, speakers shared insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and advocacy - emphasizing resilience, leadership, and the importance of small business representation in shaping national policy.
Martha Stewart speaking at the 10KSB Summit.
Ken Langone, Co-Founder of the Home Depot.
Olympian Michael Phelps.
The 10KSB Summit Expo: Resources and Networking Opportunities
Outside of the main sessions, attendees could take advantage of one-on-one consultations and hands-on experiences designed to strengthen their businesses. The Summit Expo offered:
Professional headshots for business use
Social media consultations with marketing experts
AI and technology support for small business integration
Procurement meetings with corporate and government buyers
Capital Connections sessions to explore funding options
And, of course, delicious snack products from fellow 10KSB alumni
The atmosphere buzzed with collaboration and possibility; a true reflection of the community built through the 10KSB program. It was also great for Julie to run into some past classmates.
A timeline of the impact of the 10KSB program.
Classmates from National Cohort 20.
Entrepreneurs arrived from all over the country.
A thanks to Goldman Sachs for lots of fun swag!
Conversations on Capitol Hill
A highlight of the Summit was the opportunity for alumni to visit Capitol Hill and meet with state representatives to advocate for small business interests.
Julie joined fellow Florida alumni for meetings with Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL10) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) to discuss key issues affecting small businesses in the state.
Major topics included:
Access to flexible and affordable capital
The importance of AI literacy and digital education
Workforce development and access to competitive benefits
These conversations reinforced the collective impact of small business owners across the country — and the power of advocacy when voices unite.
Julie met with the office of Representative Maxwell Frost.
Julie in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Floridian entrepreneurs heard from Senator Ashley Moody.
Goldman Sachs 10KSB Community and Celebrations
Beyond the education and policy discussions, the Summit was also a celebration of community. Julie reconnected with her 10KSB classmates, met new alumni from around the country, and joined in evening receptions designed to foster collaboration and fun.
One of the most memorable moments was the closing reception at Union Station, featuring live entertainment, interactive experiences, and culinary offerings from 10KSB alumni-owned businesses. The energy and creativity were a true reflection of what makes this community so dynamic.
Union Station was an amazing venue for the closing reception.
Cheers to a successful Summit!
Great branding everywhere!
Connecting with more classmates.
The live entertainment was great.
Looking Ahead
As a proud 10KSB alum, Julie continues to apply the lessons and connections gained through the program to fuel JK Creative’s growth and mission: helping businesses communicate clearly, design strategically, and stand out with purpose.
The Summit reaffirmed what we’ve always believed - when small businesses succeed, communities thrive.
Learn more about the 2025 10KSB Small Business Summit at Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
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