ICAN, a testament to the success of supporting businesses in underserved communities, exemplifies the transformative impact of ICIC. Quentella Enty and T.J. Douglas, alumni of various ICIC programs, now serve as ICAN steering committee members - expert advisors, mentors, and collaborators for businesses needing additional support to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. Enty, Vice President of KFA Inc. and member of ICAN’s Chicago Steering Committee, emphasizes the importance of scaling businesses that are the backbone of the American economy, creating jobs, and advocating for communities. Douglas, founder of The Urban Grape and member of the Boston ICAN Steering Committee, shares his journey of building a successful retail and e-commerce enterprise, leveraging ICIC programs like Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC). Both Enty and Douglas actively contribute to ICAN, fostering a network of empowered business leaders facing similar challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth and community empowerment. Read More

Pizza Hut Canada, in collaboration with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), is making significant strides in empowering Canadian entrepreneurs through the Equal Slice Program. As a part of YUM’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, this partnership offers free education, mentorship, and grants to small business owners from underrepresented communities across Canada through the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program. The Equal Slice Program allows participants to compete for $20,000 CAD grants aimed at fueling the growth and scalability of their businesses. Pizza Hut Canada's General Manager, Lauren Leahy, emphasizes the commitment to providing access to capital, coaching, and education through this initiative, fostering an ecosystem of fair opportunities. The program's impact is evident in the success stories of 2022 grant recipients, including Carolyn Simon of Choose Life Foods, Tique Chandler of Chandler Honey, Dodie Ellenbogen of County Bounty Artisanal Soda Co., Susan Keast of Resources Ink, and Danielle Murrell Cox of Zuri & Dre. In collaboration with ICIC, Pizza Hut Canada continues to be a driving force behind the growth and resilience of small businesses, embodying a shared vision for inclusive economic growth and community empowerment. Read More

ICIC attended the recent Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) gathering in Los Angeles, focused on building health equity through inclusive local economies.  Anchor institutions play a critical role in cultivating health equity through inclusive local economies. Small businesses emerge as key players in narrowing the racial wealth gap and driving job creation. The fundamental importance of community partnerships and trust-building with grassroots organizations forms a dynamic "virtuous circle." This interconnected network involves community residents, small businesses, non-profits, technical assistance providers, capital facilitators, and anchor institutions. Successfully navigating this complexity demands skills like listening, patience, and a sustained commitment. Challenges include reconciling cost-sensitive anchor procurement with the imperative of supplier diversity for lasting local impact. Anchor institutions, with substantial purchasing power, stand out as pivotal, urging the need to unlock their potential beyond current limits. Capacity building and innovative supply chain financing strategies take center stage, emphasizing a focus on long-term positive change. Ultimately, anchor institutions can serve as catalysts for profound and sustainable community change, underscoring the importance of a commitment to a long-term journey. Read More

Explore the dynamics of meaningful connections through the lens of a key contributor to the ICAN program, shedding light on interactions with ICAN alumni and participation in related events. Recently, a Strategic Alliance Building seminar, led by Dr. Susan Perkins, a Visiting Associate Professor at NYU Stern, took center stage, focusing on imparting both academic insights and practical tools applicable to small business owners seeking to cultivate strategic alliances. The profound impact of applying these acquired principles in real-time, particularly during guided networking sessions, underscored the significance of meaningful connections. Subsequently, at ICIC alumni social events, there was a built-in platform for the informal application of these new networking skills. Ivana Findlay, the ICAN Program Coordinator, offers reflections on this transformative journey, acknowledging a profound evolution in her comprehension of networking, enriched by the connections, lessons, and indelible memories forged throughout this experience. Read More

The Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program in New Jersey has achieved significant success by forging partnerships with key stakeholders. Governor Phil Murphy's endorsement and support, along with collaborations with organizations like Santander Bank and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), have driven a 40% increase in attendance for the program, making it the largest in-person gathering in several years. These partnerships aim to empower women and minority small business owners, aligning with the program's mission to provide valuable executive leadership training and resources for sustainable growth. ICCC plans to expand its successful model to other states in the future, focusing on innovative programming to support small businesses. Read More