Goldman and Buffett team up in US$500m philanthropic move
Source: Agencies |
November 19, 2009, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
GOLDMAN Sachs Group Inc is teaming up with billionaire investor Warren Buffett to invest US$500 million to provide thousands of small business owners across America with college scholarships and boost their access to capital.
The move comes as the company has been criticized for setting aside billions for employee paychecks despite the continuing weak economy.
Goldman's philanthropic effort, called "10,000 Small Businesses," includes a US$200 million contribution to community colleges, universities and other institutions to give grants to small business owners to further their education.
The New York-based bank also will invest US$300 million through a combination of lending and charitable support. Goldman said the money will be funneled through community development financial institutions to boost lending and technical assistance available to small businesses in underserved communities.
In addition, Goldman Sachs executives, in partnership with national and local business organizations, will aid small businesses with advice, technical assistance and professional networking opportunities.
An advisory council co-chaired by Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein will oversee the program. Buffett, Goldman's largest shareholder, and Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter will serve as co-chairs as well.
"Our recovery is dependent on hard working small business owners across America who will create the jobs that America needs," Buffett said in a statement. "I'm proud to be a part of this innovative program which provides greater access to know-how and capital -- two ingredients critical to success."
The move comes as Goldman has started to rebound across its businesses even as the economy and consumers continue to struggle with rising unemployment and higher loan losses. The bank, which has outperformed other financial firms for years, has been the strongest in its industry throughout the financial crisis.
The move comes as the company has been criticized for setting aside billions for employee paychecks despite the continuing weak economy.
Goldman's philanthropic effort, called "10,000 Small Businesses," includes a US$200 million contribution to community colleges, universities and other institutions to give grants to small business owners to further their education.
The New York-based bank also will invest US$300 million through a combination of lending and charitable support. Goldman said the money will be funneled through community development financial institutions to boost lending and technical assistance available to small businesses in underserved communities.
In addition, Goldman Sachs executives, in partnership with national and local business organizations, will aid small businesses with advice, technical assistance and professional networking opportunities.
An advisory council co-chaired by Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein will oversee the program. Buffett, Goldman's largest shareholder, and Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter will serve as co-chairs as well.
"Our recovery is dependent on hard working small business owners across America who will create the jobs that America needs," Buffett said in a statement. "I'm proud to be a part of this innovative program which provides greater access to know-how and capital -- two ingredients critical to success."
The move comes as Goldman has started to rebound across its businesses even as the economy and consumers continue to struggle with rising unemployment and higher loan losses. The bank, which has outperformed other financial firms for years, has been the strongest in its industry throughout the financial crisis.
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