Celebrating Innovation in Small Businesses
At ICIC, innovation is at the core of everything we do—from groundbreaking research to empowering small businesses with the tools they need to grow and thrive. That’s why we’ve designated 2025 as the Year of Innovation! ICIC was founded on an innovative idea: that small businesses in under-resourced communities can drive economic transformation by creating jobs, generating wealth, and strengthening local economies. For the past 30 years, we’ve turned insights into action, delivering research-driven programs that fuel growth, resilience, and opportunity.
This year, we are excited to launch several innovation-focused initiatives, including the Intuit More with AI Tour and the Manufacturing Accelerator Program: High-Growth Strategies for Manufacturers. We will also celebrate the 20-year milestone of our flagship program, ICCC, which has exemplified creativity and ingenuity since its inception. Additionally, we have multiple groundbreaking research projects scheduled for publication this year, the first of which—”AI in Business: How Small Business Owners Are Learning, Using, and Navigating Challenges with AI Tools“—is available now.
As we embark on the journey of exploring innovation in all its forms, we are most eager to showcase the incredible achievements of our program participants, alumni, and partners—the true changemakers shaping inclusive economic prosperity. We invite you to join us in this celebration. Let’s come together to showcase the vital role that innovation plays in all industries and sectors. Use the form below to share your definition of innovation, how it has contributed to your business’s success, and how it has positively impacted others. Innovation has brought us to this point, and it will guide us toward a more inclusive future!
Spotlight on Innovators
Tamara Keefe turned a family tradition into a joyful hub of connection and community with her innovative scoop shop, Clementine’s Ice Cream. With support from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, she’s scaling with heart and bringing her delectable sweet treats from the Midwest to every coast. Read More.
Architect Farooq Ameen leads City Design Studio, creating thoughtful spaces that reflect community stories and needs. With support from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, he’s growing his firm’s impact—and exploring how AI can help small teams stay creative and focused on their mission. Read More.
Christa Cotton, founder of El Guapo, earned a spot on the IC100 Awards list for her innovative leadership. By pivoting to direct-to-consumer sales during the pandemic, she tripled business growth. Christa emphasizes flexibility, quality, and resilience and is now focused on expanding El Guapo globally and sustainably. Read More.
Nigel Chiddick, President and CEO of Seven Source, Inc., is reshaping commercial construction with lasting, community-centered solutions. From innovative materials to mentoring future talent, their work earned an IC100 Award last year—honoring their rapid growth, commitment to craftsmanship, and dedication to opening doors for the next generation. Read More.