Small businesses are critical drivers of the US economy. Collectively, they employ one-third of the nation’s workforce - nearly 59 million Americans across the country. They create jobs, spark innovation, invest in neighborhoods, and increase America’s competitiveness globally. Read More

The Opportunity Zone program is the nation’s latest public policy attempt to encourage private investment in America’s economically distressed areas. In his policy brief, ICIC Senior Vice President and Director of Research Howard Wial argues that Opportunity Zones will benefit distressed communities only if investors, local governments, community organizations, and other organizations with a stake in the economic progress of low-income communities abide by four fundamental principles to guide investments in the zones. Read More

In addition to galvanizing ICIC’s alumni and friends around supporting their local independent bookstores on Saturday, April 27, we thought it would be the right time to recognize our own. Frugal Bookstore, located directly across the street from the ICIC office. Read More

Written by Kim Zeuli and Kathleen Shea, ICIC. This blog was originally published on Governing. The structural challenges that entrepreneurs of color face are well-documented, and disparities in business ownership are stark: While minorities make up 38 percent of the U.S. population, only 19 percent of businesses are minority-owned. Minority-owned firms earn ... Read More

March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the achievements of women throughout history. These achievements span disciplines; they are social, cultural, political, and of course, economic. Read More