Steve Grossman, CEO of ICIC, shared an inspirational journey during the kickoff of ICIC’s Annual Conference in Miami on December 12, 2023. Josue Velney, CEO of Velney Development, LLC, a participant in the 2023 Boston ICCC cohort, is a former Marine turned real estate developer, who exemplifies ICIC's mission of fostering inclusive economic prosperity and job creation in under-resourced communities. Josue’s military background influences his leadership in real estate and the challenges he and other entrepreneurs navigate, including high interest rates and societal issues. ICIC's conference theme, "Reflect, Reunite, Renew," reflects Josue's commitment to community renewal. The collective strength and potential within under-resourced communities, highlighted through entrepreneurial journeys such as Josue’s inspire a shared vision of economic empowerment and sustainable growth. Read the full article to learn about Josue Velney's impactful role and resilience. Read More

Elin Barton's entrepreneurial journey with White Knight Productions, now rebranded as Riveo Creative, is a tale of resilience, growth, and purpose-driven impact. Faced with the challenge of expanding nationally in 2015, Elin turned to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, overcoming a setback with determination and completing the program. Years later, her pursuit of social impact led to a transformative experience with the ICCC program, inspiring a partnership between ICIC and Riveo Creative. Believing in the power of connections, Elin has fostered a community of entrepreneurs for nearly a decade. In 2023, Riveo Creative embraced a renewed purpose, aligning with ICIC's values of diversity and sustainability, and amplifying the voices of small businesses and communities. The journey continues as Riveo Creative takes intentional steps toward a future of exponential positive impact, celebrating shared success in community empowerment. Read More

ICIC's recent research has emerged as a catalyst for change in diversifying real estate development, shedding light on the stark underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic developers who collectively make up less than 1% of private developers nationwide. The groundbreaking report, "Breaking the Glass Bottleneck," quantifies this representation crisis and emphasizes the pivotal role of access to public and private resources for the growth of developers of color. The research has not only unveiled disparities but has also influenced policies and initiatives, including the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Emerging Developer Report, which identifies key opportunities and challenges faced by developers of color. As the industry grapples with challenges, ICIC's research stands as a guiding force toward positive transformation and equitable opportunities in real estate development. Read More

ICIC offered alumni the opportunity to explore the dynamic realm of social media marketing through insights shared by industry leaders in a recent ICAN webinar. From tailored strategies on LinkedIn to the power of storytelling on Instagram, the speakers, including Dianne Austin, Buzz Busbee, and Leo Voloshin, cover diverse approaches. The webinar, moderated by Dina Towbin of Dina Towbin & Associates, highlights the importance of continuous learning, openness to new strategies, and the ever-present value of engaging with your audience in the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing. Read More

ICIC proudly highlights the achievements of veteran alumni and supporters from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, showcased by entrepreneurs such as Carl Chaisson and Darcella Craven. These individuals are not only advancing in their business endeavors but are also leaving a positive impact on the veteran community. Under the leadership of Carl Chaisson, United One Communications goes beyond cybersecurity expertise, embodying the fusion of education and community engagement fostered by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The company, a defense contractor since 2015, not only contributes to national cybersecurity efforts but also prioritizes the education and development of its employees. Darcella Craven, the driving force behind the VetBiz, is dedicated to empowering veterans through entrepreneurship. Whether as Executive Director of VetBiz or Regional Advocate at the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, her comprehensive approach includes education, consulting, and mentoring, resulting in impressive outcomes such as creating jobs and assisting more than 8,000 entrepreneurs. Both stories exemplify how education and community building are essential foundations for building successful and socially conscious businesses that contribute meaningfully to the community and the nation. Read More