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

Dianne Austin, a breast cancer survivor, founded Coils to Locs after experiencing the lack of culturally sensitive wigs for people of color during her chemotherapy. Losing her hair in just two weeks, she found no suitable wigs that matched her curly, black hair, prompting her to start her own business in 2019. Dianne became a certified wig maker and initially partnered with three hospitals in Boston, now collaborating with 22 hospitals to provide realistic wigs that help individuals maintain their identity. Her mission extends beyond cancer patients, catering to various conditions causing hair loss. Supported by ICIC, Dianne has expanded her business, emphasizing self-expression, individuality, and inclusivity in her advocacy work. Read More

Marcus Williams is the founder and Principal Consultant of MW Consulting, a D.C.-based firm that supports clients in leveraging communications to connect with their stakeholders and customers. Despite his challenging upbringing, Williams holds impressive academic qualifications and has held leadership roles in the communications field across various sectors. His career success led him to debut appearance on the Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023 ranking at 19. He credits his faith in a higher power as the primary driving force behind his accomplishments. A member of multiple marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, Williams approaches entrepreneurship from a unique perspective. He is committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in both his personal and professional endeavors. Read More