What began as a dream in North Philadelphia has become a creative home for nearly 20,000 students. Executive Director Wilhemina Gibson and her husband, Artistic DIrector Professor Randy J. Gibson, have spent 30 years growing Gibson Music and Arts into a vibrant space for education, performance, and community. Alumni like Jazmine Sullivan and Kamal Gray of The Roots got their start here—but the deeper impact lies in the confidence and opportunity they’ve helped nurture in every student. Wilhemina, a graduate of ICIC’s ICCC program, credits the experience with helping her strengthen and scale their work through moments of change. From launching online classes to expanding retail and rentals, the Gibsons continue to evolve with purpose. As we celebrate Juneteenth, their story reminds us that small businesses shape more than economies—they help build freedom, community, and the future. Read More

When Angel Johnson launched ICONI, she wasn’t trying to follow the fitness industry’s rules. She was building something new. As a veteran and solo founder, she created an activewear brand for people often left out of the conversation: real bodies, real lives, real goals. Through the ICCC program, Angel found mentorship and support that helped her grow with intention. Today, she’s blending creativity with technology, developing custom fabrics, and exploring how AI can handle the behind-the-scenes work—freeing her to focus on what matters most: empowering others. Her story is a reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it starts by listening, slowing down, and making one small improvement at a time. Read More

When Gilbert Burciaga couldn’t get a call back from a local painter, he decided to start his own company. He wanted to do things differently. What began as a leap of faith became BCP Contractors, a Colorado-based business known for showing up, doing the job right, and treating people well. A graduate of ICIC’s ICCC program, Gilbert is using years of customer data along with tools like AI to reconnect with past clients and grow his services. From epoxy garage floors to xeriscape landscaping, he’s expanding with purpose while staying grounded in what matters most: trust, follow-through, and the power of a phone call. Read More

When Eddy Bucardo co-founded Unchained Athletics, he wasn’t building just another gym. He was creating a space where people feel seen, strong, and supported. Located below street level in Toronto, the gym’s raw, unapologetic energy reflects its purpose: a home for healing, equity, and empowerment. With support from the ICCC–Pizza Hut Canada Equal Slice program, Eddy and co-owner Christina Henry secured grant funding that sparked meaningful change, from new signage to clearer strategy. Today, Unchained is expanding its reach and continuing to uplift the communities it serves. Their story is rooted in grit, guided by purpose, and fueled by the power of capital. Read More

When Cassandra Carreiro launched Sharecuterie from her home in Winnipeg, she wasn’t just creating charcuterie boards—she was creating a space where everyone could feel seen and included. Inspired by her own experience living with celiac disease, Cassandra built a business centered on allergen-aware, culturally conscious menus and warm hospitality. With support from ICIC’s ICCC-Pizza Hut Equal Slice Program, she gained the tools and confidence to grow strategically—and walked away with one of five $20,000 CAD grants. Today, Sharecuterie is expanding to a second location, and her sold-out Build-Your-Own Board workshops are turning customers into community. For entrepreneurs wondering how to scale a purpose-driven business, Cassandra’s journey offers a powerful example of what happens when innovation is rooted in empathy. Read More