What started as a weekly visit to a local farmers market turned into a full-circle journey of purpose and entrepreneurship. Today, Jackie’s Jams remains true to its roots, crafting small-batch jams by hand. Behind the scenes, owner Risa Baron is blending tradition with digital growth. Through the ICCC program, Risa has gained new tools, connections, and clarity at every stage of her journey. With support from Braven Agency, a fellow ICCC alum, Jackie’s Jams is strengthening its online presence and finding fresh ways to reach customers while honoring the traditions that built the brand. Their story is a reminder that meaningful growth doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s slow, sweet, and steady. Read More

Nigel Chiddick, President and CEO of Seven Source, Inc., has spent years redefining what it means to build commercial spaces—with durability, community, and equity at the center. Since founding Seven Source in 2018, Nigel has led his team to leverage smarter, sustainable solutions and techniques that don’t just stand the test of time but also create welcoming, meaningful environments for people. From revitalizing Houston’s Lynn Wyatt Square to mentoring underrepresented talent, Seven Source blends expertise with heart. Last year, Nigel and his team earned their first IC100 Award—a recognition that highlights not only business growth but also their lasting contributions to communities and industry. Read More

Some of the most recent graduates of ICIC’s Building for Growth (BFG) program hail from Northern California, demonstrating the program's regional reach and tailored support for local BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned contractors. These business owners, equipped with new skills and strategies, are now securing larger contracts and streamlining operations to significantly grow their impact. LaSonia Mansfield shared, “Thanks to BFG's training, I have achieved many significant milestones, including securing my second prime contract and managing more than three contracts simultaneously.” Reva Murphy of Reva Murphy Associates added, “I needed to listen to the knowledgeable instructors to put into practice their insightful suggestions, business development concepts, and long-range planning skills critical to grow a business.” The program's success, made possible by sponsors like Intuit, The Home Depot, and PG&E, has empowered participants to transform their businesses while fostering a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Read More

BC Design Haus is a woman- and Asian-owned, design and branding agency based in Pasadena, California. Bernadette Capulong, the company’s CEO, describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur, having turned to self-employment to replace her income after being laid off during the Great Recession. Since the firm’s official launch in 2015, she has led the company to achieve double-digit revenue growth year over year. BCDH was recognized nationally for its growth, appearing for the second year in a row on the Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023. This success would not be possible without Capulong’s persistent focus on building partnerships with her clients and her team. Her nearly decade-long journey as an entrepreneur has taught her five key lessons: seek out a program like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, understand that owning a small business is a long game, seek advice from a mentor, hire the right people, and be good to your clients. Read More

ICIC's Building for Growth (BFG) program joined ICIC's Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN) in California, where they hosted information sessions in Oakland and Sacramento to launch the 2024 BFG application. In the two years since the program’s start, BFG has served 166 construction firms from 29 states. Graduates from the inaugural cohort saw incredible success, raising $5.4 million in total capital, increasing their bonding capacity by an average of 156%, and increasing their backlog by an average of 101%. The information sessions, which were held in conjunction with small business networking events hosted by ICAN, marked the first time that construction owners had the opportunity to network in-person with program staff and alumni before applying. Steve Lamar, BFG Program Director, shared how the program is specifically designed to help later-stage construction companies reach their next level, outlining the unique aspects of the program, such as classes taught by successful industry practitioners, learning with a group of peers from across the nation, and having access to digital and human resources that remain available after completing the course. Building for Growth alumni also offered comments, eagerly expressing the impact of the program on their companies. Read More