When a contractor took more than $20,000 from her mother and vanished, Vicki Gray built a company people could trust. New Chapter HI Services is now the SBA’s 2026 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year for Massachusetts. The BFG alumna shares three lessons any contractor can use. Read More

Storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives, amplify voices, and drive real change—and EmVision Productions, recently named the 2025 SBA Massachusetts Microenterprise of the Year, is leading the way. Co-founded by Dr. Tariana V. Little and Jonas Meyer, this innovative media agency blends creativity and health sciences to advance social justice and empower communities. Their Social Impact Storytelling™ approach helps organizations amplify their missions. Committed to “giving forward,” EmVision supports under-represented communities through pro bono services, grassroots collaborations, and scholarships. As they continue expanding their reach, EmVision proves that intentional storytelling has the power to create lasting change. Read More

ICIC proudly highlights its partnership with Artists for Humanity (AFH), a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through paid art apprenticeships. For nearly a decade, AFH has designed the unique awards for the prestigious Inner City 100 Awards, celebrating the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities. This collaboration not only provides real-world experience for talented young artists but also symbolizes the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. Together, ICIC and AFH emphasize the vital role of creativity and mentorship in driving community development. Read More

Josue Velney is a former Marine and retired firefighter who is now a full-time real estate developer and the CEO of Velney Development, LLC. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction management and is a licensed unrestricted construction supervisor. Velney's military background has shaped his leadership skills, which he has applied to real estate development. He is committed to improving his community through strategic real estate projects and has a rental portfolio spanning several cities. Velney participated in ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) and Building for Growth (BFG) programs, which provided him with advanced education, coaching, and mentoring. As a result of his hard work and training, his company formed a strategic alliance with Callahan Construction Managers, a full-service construction management company headquartered in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Velney emphasizes the importance of patience and the support he received from the ICIC community in achieving his success. Read More

The ICIC Back Bay Small Business mixer, held in August and sponsored by EY, brought together alumni from ICIC’s executive education programs, partners, and ICIC staff and board members. The Alumni Steering Committee played a key role in shaping the event’s vision, aiming to create an environment for local businesses to connect and collaborate, strengthening the community. We connected with two committee members, Judi Vigna, CEO of Specialized Career Guidance LLC, and Jeysi Zuniga, President of Synergy Contracting, Inc., to hear highlights of the event. They shared their insights from the successful networking, authentic conversations, and a powerful speech by Steve Grossman. The event aimed to spark long-term partnerships and continued collaboration among businesses, ultimately strengthening and growing the local business community. Read More