In a world where technology and sustainability intersect, Electronic Responsible Recyclers (ER2) stands out as a beacon of innovation and social impact. Founded by Chris Ko, ER2 specializes in responsible IT asset management while prioritizing community service by donating recycled technology to underserved families, students, and veterans globally. The company was recently honored with the IC100 2024 FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship Award for exemplifying innovation, sustainability, and social impact on a global scale.  With a strong commitment to empowering others, ER2’s initiatives have made significant contributions, such as providing essential tools to African schools and supporting local programs in Nashville, where the company is headquartered. Driven by a culture of community service and collaboration, ER2 demonstrates how businesses can create meaningful change in their communities. As it continues bridging the digital divide, ER2 is a shining bridging of socially conscious entrepreneurship, proving that with a clear mission and values, positive change is within reach–one laptop, keyboard, and connection at a time.  Read More

In the heart of midtown Memphis sits Global Café. Established in 2018, Global is a unique food hall that offers authentic international cuisine at affordable prices, all prepared from scratch by immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs. The restaurant was founded by Sabine Langer, who drew inspiration from her experiences moving from Switzerland to the U.S. and volunteering in immigrant communities. Langer created Global Café to provide a safe space to help vulnerable individuals to establish themselves in a new country. Global Café goes beyond being just a restaurant. The organization’s dedication to providing opportunities for individuals with no prior experience, offering free English lessons, and paying higher wages than other businesses, has helped its employees achieve significant resettlement milestones, such as buying a home or a personal vehicle. In 2023, Global Café received recognition on the Inner City 100 Awards list for its outstanding growth. With a remarkable 146.6% four-year average growth rate, the café stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and inclusivity. Read More

Anne-Marie Jenkins founded iStaffing Services in Batesville, Mississippi to help people find jobs in the area. She initially moved there to take care of her aging in-laws, but her passion for helping families extended beyond her home. With a background in the staffing industry and experience in outreach and admissions for Job Corps, Jenkins has been able to offer hope through job opportunities to families in the rural areas of the Mississippi Delta. She was nominated by FedEx to participate in the Inner City Capital Connections program, which provided valuable support and mentorship during a challenging time in her personal and professional life. Thanks to the program, her company is projected to increase its profits by 600% this year. Read More

Mid-South Drug Testing president Kelly Dobbins is the kind of entrepreneur banks and lenders are increasingly making it a point to seek out. Read More

For Sandra Walls, funding needs are determined by her ability to take on large contracts. Read More