Runner's Soul Owner Chosen to Participate in Small-business Initiative

Jayne Aspan, owner of The Runners Soul in Elmhurst and La Grange, was chosen to participate in Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses initiative. Funded by Goldman Sachs and The Goldman Sachs Foundation, 10,000 Small Businesses is a $500 million investment to help small businesses in the United States create jobs and spur economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with a practical business education, access to capital and business support services.

The selection process is competitive, and Aspan is one of just 22 small-businesses owners chosen in the Chicago area. Nationally, 1,250 small businesses in 15 cities participate in the program. 

The program launched in Chicago in September 2011 with a $25 million commitment for small business loans, business education and grants for supporting community partners.

As part of the initiative, Aspan will complete 15 workshops at Harold Washington Community College in Chicago by the end of the year. The curriculum comes from Babson College, a top-tier entrepreneurial college outside of Boston. Aspan also will be responsible for completing six to eight hours of out-of-class activities focusing on growing her business. The goal is for each entrepreneur to develop a customized growth plan for their business.

Data shows that six months after graduating, about 70 percent of program participants are growing their businesses and half are adding new jobs in their communities.

“I’m honored to be a part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and look forward to the opportunity provided by both Goldman Sachs and Harold Washington College to grow myself, The Runner's Soul and our resources,” Aspan said.

Started in 2004, The Runner’s Soul is a running specialty store that offers expertise in shoe fitting, running apparel, gait analysis and training programs.  

Goldman Sachs Foundation’s mission is to promote excellence and innovation in education, and to improve the academic performance and lifelong productivity of young people worldwide through strategic partnerships, grants, loans, private sector investments and deployment of professional talent from Goldman Sachs.