Back
Blog
Building Community: Highlights from Atlanta’s Alumni Networking Event
By Carolin Mejia, ICAN Program Lead & Ivana Findlay, ICAN Program Coordinator | August 20, 2024
On July 11, ICIC hosted Innovate Atlanta: Igniting B2B Connections. The event brought together a dynamic network of more than 100 small business owners and their guests. ICIC’s Alumni Network Program Lead, Carolin Mejia, and Program Coordinator, Ivana Findlay, sat down to share more about this exciting evening of networking and collaboration.
Q: What was the Innovate Atlanta event all about?
A [Ivana]: Innovate Atlanta was a vibrant small business networking event designed to bring together members of our alumni network and their guests. The goal was to provide a platform for them to connect, learn more about ICIC’s programs and events, and foster a sense of community between our alumni and local partners.
Q: How did the event unfold?
A [Carolin]: The atmosphere was intoxicating! How can it not be with delicious appetizers, drinks, and stimulating conversation? We had more than 100 attendees who brought tons of energy and enthusiasm. Our incredible steering committee donated gifts from their businesses, which we raffled. The prizes included various consulting services and gift baskets from So Good BBQ Sauce and The REAL Weight Loss + Wellness Center. They were a huge hit among participants.
The event was held at 5Church Midtown, which offered a beautiful space, plus the food and drinks were on point! We even had partner organizations tabling to showcase their resources. A few of the partners who participated were Bank of America, LISC, Self Help Credit Union, and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). It was the kind of night where connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and attendees went home feeling more connected.
Q: What made this event special for the participants?
A [Ivana]: The conversations spoke for themselves. Our alumni network of small business owners had the opportunity to engage with one another, share their experiences, and explore potential collaborations. On average, attendees say they made on average 10 new business connections. It wasn’t just about networking. It was about building a supportive community that aligns with our mission of inclusive economic prosperity.
Q: How was the event received by attendees?
A [Carolin]: The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Attendees appreciated the opportunity to connect with resources and make meaningful connections. One of the highlights was the Networking Bingo game, which added a fun, interactive element to the evening. Here’s what some of our attendees had to say:
“I had a great time attending the ‘Innovate Atlanta: Igniting B2B Connections’ event hosted by ICIC. Alumni and entrepreneurs were able to network with partners, collaborators, potential clients, and connect with resources to support them.” – Don Hunter, Bank of America
“The energy was electric, the networking was unparalleled, and the connections made were truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of innovation and collaboration.” – Anita Davis, Atlanta Steering Committee Member
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
A [Ivana]: Thank you to our national ICAN sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, and our local ICAN donors. We’re incredibly grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement. A huge thank you to our Atlanta Alumni Steering Committee for their relentless support in making this event a success. From outreach to venue scouting, their dedication and generosity truly made a difference, and we’re grateful for their ongoing commitment to our community.
Q: Are there any future events or initiatives planned for the Alumni Network?
A [Carolin]: We’ve got more networking events coming up quickly. We’ll be in Boston on August 22nd and in D.C. and Baltimore on September 24th and 26th, respectively. Registration is available at icic.org/events. We’d love to see you all there!
About ICIC’s Alumni Network
ICIC’s vibrant and growing alumni network (ICAN) is comprised of more than 8,000 graduates of ICIC’s small business programming across the United States and Canada. In-person and virtual events are offered annually to provide continuing education and networking opportunities. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to connect and grow—register for an event near you!
Have questions or want to get involved? Email the ICAN Team at ican@icic.org. And be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and event highlights!