Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has supported entrepreneurs for more than a decade by offering business training, access to capital, and personalized support services. The program has helped more than 14,000 businesses and in 2023, Goldman Sachs announced a $100 million investment to expand the program in rural communities across the United States. The initiative already has a track record of success in these communities, with 74% of rural small businesses reporting revenue growth and 72% expanding their workforce as a result. “Thriving rural communities mean that more populated areas can thrive too. If small towns are doing well and our money stays local, we can support and do business with people in bigger cities,” stated alumnus Carl Clemetson of Hometown Elegance Event Catering & Productions based in Minot, North Dakota. The program has already launched in multiple locations and will be available across 20 states in the next five years. Applications are open now to entrepreneurs in North Dakota, Mississippi, Indiana, and Montana. 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

On July 11, ICIC hosted Innovate Atlanta: Igniting B2B Connections. The event brought together a dynamic network of more than 100 small business owners and their guests. The event provided a platform for attendees to connect, learn about resources, and foster a sense of community. The atmosphere allowed for stimulating conversations, creating a space brimming with energy and enthusiasm as participants enjoyed delightful appetizers and drinks. Attendees actively engaged with partner organizations, making meaningful connections throughout the evening. Innovate Atlanta received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees praising the opportunity to discover local resources and engage with fellow business owners. ICIC’s Alumni Network Program Lead, Carolin Mejia, and Program Coordinator, Ivana Findlay, sat down to share more about this exciting evening of networking and similar events that will be held in Boston, D.C., and Baltimore in August and September. 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

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC), ICIC’s signature program for small business owners in the mid-stage of their growth, is thrilled to mark its fourth year in Canada in 2024, made possible by the generous support and partnership of the lead sponsor, Pizza Hut Canada, as part of YUM’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative. At the heart of this initiative is the Equal Slice Program, a pivotal component offering participants the opportunity to vie for one of five $20,000 CAD grants designed to fuel the growth and scalability of their businesses. Equal Slice has provided a combined $300,000 in grants to small business owners since its inception, helping them build capacity for sustainable growth and resiliency. The 2023 grant winners include Akilah Newton of Big Dreamers, Carolina Foresti of Carolina's Brownies, Jaime Ward-Yassin of Hero Academy, Nancy Wingham of Nuez Acres, and Cynthia Sweeny of Simply Good Form Inc. This year, ICIC will present two Canada Cohorts—one conducted virtually and the other in person in Toronto, Ontario. The nation is home to 150 ICCC alumni, and since their participation in ICIC’s programs, they have achieved an outstanding average growth of 125% in revenue. This success underscores the impactful outcomes of the ICCC program, and the vital role played by Pizza Hut Canada in supporting the growth and resilience of small businesses across the country. Read More