ICIC’s Alumni Network (ICAN) continues to strengthen ecosystems and inspire small business growth across the country. The launch of the ICAN Philadelphia Alumni Chapter brought together entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders to celebrate connection, collaboration, and resilience. Supported by Santander Bank, Ceiba, and Finanta, the event showcased the power of partnerships and highlighted Philadelphia’s determined, deeply rooted business community. The new chapter builds on that strength by linking alumni to peers, partners, and resources that help them grow. Led by alumni who pay it forward through mentorship, programming, and donations, ICAN continues to expand opportunity and demonstrate that when one alum succeeds, the entire community moves forward. Read More

Veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs carry a remarkable drive into their work, shaped by years of service and problem-solving under pressure. Yet when it comes to building or expanding a business, many still face barriers that can stall momentum—finding the right funding, rebuilding networks after service, or learning the parts of business ownership that aren’t always intuitive. ICIC’s new ICCC Veterans’ Cohort, supported by Kaiser Permanente and launching in San Diego this winter, is designed to meet those needs head-on. The program offers executive education, one-on-one coaching, and a community of peers who understand the transition from service to entrepreneurship. It’s a space where founders can strengthen their strategy, build confidence, and gain access to opportunities that can move their businesses forward. Explore how the cohort is opening doors for veteran-owned businesses ready for their next chapter. Read More

After Leon Davis’s veteran-owned business nearly collapsed in 2020, he turned to ICIC’s Building for Growth program for a lifeline. Through mentorship, strategy, and renewed leadership, Leon rebuilt CheckMate Communications & Electric and launched it into its strongest era yet. His story shows how ICIC empowers construction entrepreneurs to transform setbacks into sustainable growth and lasting success. Read More

Kenya and Kevin Jones of Jones Software Corporation earned the inaugural Intuit Innovation Award for their AI-powered learning solutions. With guidance from ICIC’s ICCC program, they strengthened growth strategies and forged key partnerships, scaling their impact. Their award-winning work, including contributions to the Microsoft Copilot launch, shows how vision and persistence create real impact. Read More

AI has the potential to transform how small businesses operate—but only if they have the right tools, knowledge, and support. That’s why ICIC and Intuit have joined forces to bridge the gap between AI and small business success through cutting-edge research and hands-on learning. Drawing on insights from ICIC’s nationwide study of more than 3,700 small and mid-market businesses, which identified key barriers and opportunities in AI adoption, the partners launched the Intuit More with AI Tour—a free, six-city series of half-day events offering practical, no-cost AI education. The tour has already visited Boulder, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Mountain View, CA; and New Haven, CT, with an additional stop in Arlington, TX planned for 2025. Read More