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Connections That Last: The Launch of ICAN Philadelphia
By ICIC | December 2, 2025
ICIC’s Alumni Network (ICAN) continues to strengthen ecosystems and inspire small business growth
When ICIC launched the ICAN Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, the energy in the room said it all. Small business owners, resource partners, and community leaders gathered not just to celebrate, but to reconnect.
“What stood out most was seeing graduates who joined our network more than ten years ago come back to reconnect with newer alumni. They spoke about how impactful ICIC’s programs were and how they wanted to stay involved.”
— Marynee Pontes, Director of Alumnae Affairs, ICIC
Marynee Pontes has been with ICIC for seven years and oversees two core networks: the ICAN alumni community of more than 9,000 members, and the annual IC100 Awards. She is now leading the planning of ICIC’s 2026 Annual Conference in Atlanta, continuing to strengthen connections that span programs, industries, and years.
A City of Resilience and Collaboration
The new ICAN chapter aims to strengthen that ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with peers, partners, and resources that help them grow. The launch featured a fireside chat on “The Power of Partnerships,” where speakers from across the region shared actionable insights on collaboration. Attendees showed an eagerness to learn more about new initiatives in the city, and many approached the speakers to learn more.
From ten-year ICIC alumni to new graduates, attendees were united by a shared mission: to grow their businesses and give back to their communities. Alumni in attendance included Amy and Leo Volshin from Printfresh, multi-program graduates who were honored with the IC100 Business Growth Award two years in a row in recognition of being the fastest-growing business on the 2022 and 2023 IC100 lists.
Powered by Alumni, for Alumni
What makes ICAN unique is that it’s a network by alumni, for alumni. Each chapter is supported by a steering committee of graduates who shape programming to meet the real needs of small business owners. A significant portion of funding comes from alumni donations, in the spirit of paying it forward.
Expanding Opportunities and Partnerships
Post-graduation, ICIC program participants gain lifelong access to the ICAN community, enabling entrepreneurs to collaborate and overcome isolation. Through ICAN, alumni gain access to exclusive events, partner referral systems, continuing education, procurement summits, and cross-regional collaborations.
ICAN works to connect businesses within and across industries. The annual virtual Procurement Summit helps entrepreneurs from across the country learn how to partner with each other to secure new contracts and opportunities. Local chapters benefit from a broad network of partners, including Santander Bank, which sponsored the Philadelphia event, and Ceiba and Finanta, which served as local resource partners and community recruiters.
Looking Ahead: New Chapters and a Call to Action
ICIC’s alumni network continues to grow, with new ICAN chapters launching in different cities. Each new chapter strengthens ICIC’s national footprint while honoring the unique character of its entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. Having a network of people who understand your challenges, who look like you, represent you, and can support you, makes a huge difference.”
— Marynee Pontes, Director of Alumnae Affairs, ICIC
In 2026, the ICAN community will come together again, April 27-28, in Atlanta for the Annual Conference, celebrating collective impact and continued collaboration.
ICIC is also actively fundraising for its “Investing in Innovation” campaign, supporting alumni programming and future events. Alumni are encouraged to get involved by joining steering committees, speaking at events, or subscribing to ICIC’s monthly newsletter, Insights, to stay informed.
Because when one alum thrives, an entire community grows stronger.