From urban agriculture to kitchen incubators, many forms of food-related enterprises can act as catalysts for inner city job growth and business development. While the direct impact of grocery stores is more commonly considered part of the broader discussion around food deserts, they too can have significant economic effect on their local communities. Read More

Rocket Fuel is a predictive marketing software company founded in 2008 that aims to use big data to help marketers transform their digital advertising. There is ample opportunity for small businesses to harness the power of big data, especially when they are armed with the right tools and mindset. That’s why ICIC recruited RocketFuel’s JC Medici and Amanda Whiteman for our monthly CEO Series Webinars to share insights on how data can be integrated with digital advertising and used by small businesses to accelerate their growth. Read More

The traditional approach to state-level economic development has often included a reliance on tax incentives. Yet, research examining these state-level practices has documented their relative ineffectiveness, and increasingly, states are shifting their economic development strategies. Read More

Small businesses are the engine of America’s prosperity and when they succeed, good jobs are created, economic opportunity is abundant and healthier communities are created. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with the nation’s largest, nonprofit, integrated health care delivery system, Kaiser Permanente, to support urban businesses in Los Angeles and Oakland so our inner cities can thrive. Read More

A common misperception about the Maker Movement is that it is limited to crafters and hobbyists with only a narrow impact on local and regional economies. While some makers are indeed hobbyists, the movement also includes many active and nascent entrepreneurs who are interested in commercializing their products. These products can range widely, from jewelry and leather goods, to craft beer and artisanal bread, to drones and mini robots. Read More