This summer, MAP Director Brian Becker traded the virtual classroom for the factory floor. His SME Manufacturing Tour took him to nine facilities across six states and Washington, D.C., from a custom box plant in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to a chocolate maker in a 125-year-old former ice plant in Rockland, Maine. Brian takes us inside the plants to share what he learned: why one brewery posts its financials on the brewhouse wall, how a pretzel company built a team around inclusion, and why no manufacturer should have to grow alone. Read More

Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (NREUV) is reshaping community development through a holistic approach aimed at revitalizing under-resourced neighborhoods. Recently honored with the IC100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award, NREUV exemplifies commitment to inclusive, affordable housing and economic empowerment. Under the leadership of Dr. Gina Merritt, the organization not only focuses on real estate but also connects individuals in low-income areas to career opportunities through initiatives like Project Community Capital. Looking towards the future, NREUV aims to assist more than 10,000 individuals in finding employment, continuing their mission to uplift underserved communities, and setting a standard for community-driven development. Read More

At ICIC, our commitment to supporting small business owners remains strong. In collaboration with M&T Bank, we recently hosted two dynamic networking events in Washington D.C. (September 24) and Baltimore (September 26). We welcomed more than 60 attendees at each event, fostering vibrant spaces for connection and relationship-building. Months of planning culminated in a seamless experience. Attendees not only engaged with one another but also enjoyed exciting giveaways, from business growth tools to a signed Baltimore Ravens helmet. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees rating their experience an impressive 4 out of 5. They reported making an average of five new business connections, highlighting the events' effectiveness in nurturing relationships within the community. As Greg Smith from M&T Bank noted, our collaboration aims to enhance financial education for small business owners, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. These events exemplify what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common goal. We look forward to ongoing partnerships that continue to empower small businesses and foster lasting connections. Read More

Marcus Williams is the founder and Principal Consultant of MW Consulting, a D.C.-based firm that supports clients in leveraging communications to connect with their stakeholders and customers. Despite his challenging upbringing, Williams holds impressive academic qualifications and has held leadership roles in the communications field across various sectors. His career success led him to debut appearance on the Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023 ranking at 19. He credits his faith in a higher power as the primary driving force behind his accomplishments. A member of multiple marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, Williams approaches entrepreneurship from a unique perspective. He is committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in both his personal and professional endeavors. Read More

ICAN, a testament to the success of supporting businesses in underserved communities, exemplifies the transformative impact of ICIC. Quentella Enty and T.J. Douglas, alumni of various ICIC programs, now serve as ICAN steering committee members - expert advisors, mentors, and collaborators for businesses needing additional support to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. Enty, Vice President of KFA Inc. and member of ICAN’s Chicago Steering Committee, emphasizes the importance of scaling businesses that are the backbone of the American economy, creating jobs, and advocating for communities. Douglas, founder of The Urban Grape and member of the Boston ICAN Steering Committee, shares his journey of building a successful retail and e-commerce enterprise, leveraging ICIC programs like Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC). Both Enty and Douglas actively contribute to ICAN, fostering a network of empowered business leaders facing similar challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth and community empowerment. Read More