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

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

Mainstream Medical Devices, founded in 2018 in Austin, is revolutionizing the medical technology landscape with a focus on enhancing patient outcomes and reducing surgical site infections. The company specializes in contract manufacturing, packaging, and single-use OEM instruments for startups and mid-sized businesses. In 2024, Mainstream received the Business Growth Award for its remarkable revenue growth of nearly 9,500% from 2019 to 2023. Led by Dana Wilcox, CEO, and Aaron Bailey, President, the company is committed to accessibility for small medical device companies, addressing gaps in the market. With a passionate team dedicated to innovation and community service, Mainstream actively supports local initiatives like MD Anderson’s Children’s Art Project, which provides programming to children with cancers. Their mission is clear: to uplift the community while driving advancements in the medical device industry, creating a future full of promise and possibility. Read More

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 past forty years, the landscape of concentrated poverty in the United States has changed. The Evolution and Landscape of Under-Resourced Communities in U.S. Metropolitan Areas, published in the journal Economic Development Quarterly, traces the evolution of under-resourced communities in U.S. metropolitan areas from 1980 to 2019. The article describes in depth the changes seen in under-resourced communities, including:

• The share of metropolitan residents who live in under-resourced communities has grown.
• Under-resourced communities have become more racially diverse, with expanding shares of white and Hispanic/Latino residents. Though the share of Black URC residents has fallen, Black residents continue to make up a substantive share of the under-resourced community population.
• Under-resourced communities have become more suburban, although most of their residents still live in central cities.