Josue Velney is a former Marine and retired firefighter who is now a full-time real estate developer and the CEO of Velney Development, LLC. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction management and is a licensed unrestricted construction supervisor. Velney's military background has shaped his leadership skills, which he has applied to real estate development. He is committed to improving his community through strategic real estate projects and has a rental portfolio spanning several cities. Velney participated in ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) and Building for Growth (BFG) programs, which provided him with advanced education, coaching, and mentoring. As a result of his hard work and training, his company formed a strategic alliance with Callahan Construction Managers, a full-service construction management company headquartered in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Velney emphasizes the importance of patience and the support he received from the ICIC community in achieving his success. Read More

The ICIC Back Bay Small Business mixer, held in August and sponsored by EY, brought together alumni from ICIC’s executive education programs, partners, and ICIC staff and board members. The Alumni Steering Committee played a key role in shaping the event’s vision, aiming to create an environment for local businesses to connect and collaborate, strengthening the community. We connected with two committee members, Judi Vigna, CEO of Specialized Career Guidance LLC, and Jeysi Zuniga, President of Synergy Contracting, Inc., to hear highlights of the event. They shared their insights from the successful networking, authentic conversations, and a powerful speech by Steve Grossman. The event aimed to spark long-term partnerships and continued collaboration among businesses, ultimately strengthening and growing the local business community. Read More

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