Jack Smith, a former Air Force programmer turned CEO of Fortuna Business Management Consulting, is on a mission to empower veterans through meaningful careers. His journey, supported by the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. Fortuna was built with a clear purpose: to create quality jobs for veterans, their spouses, and reservists, while upholding the highest standards of consulting services. ICCC’s resources and the IC100 award have been instrumental in Fortuna’s growth, helping Smith scale his company rapidly and inspire future entrepreneurs. With four IC100 awards under his belt, Smith’s vision is clear—continue impacting lives, building partnerships, and proving that "good people can win." Read More

At ICIC, our commitment to supporting small business owners remains strong. In collaboration with M&T Bank, we recently hosted two dynamic networking events in Washington D.C. (September 24) and Baltimore (September 26). We welcomed more than 60 attendees at each event, fostering vibrant spaces for connection and relationship-building. Months of planning culminated in a seamless experience. Attendees not only engaged with one another but also enjoyed exciting giveaways, from business growth tools to a signed Baltimore Ravens helmet. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees rating their experience an impressive 4 out of 5. They reported making an average of five new business connections, highlighting the events' effectiveness in nurturing relationships within the community. As Greg Smith from M&T Bank noted, our collaboration aims to enhance financial education for small business owners, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. These events exemplify what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common goal. We look forward to ongoing partnerships that continue to empower small businesses and foster lasting connections. Read More

Sergio Espinoza, founder of Manka Food Service Consulting and Design, is a shining example of how dedication, culture, and community focus can fuel entrepreneurial success. Starting as a small business providing Spanish-language food safety training, Espinoza expanded Manka into a thriving company that offers consulting, kitchen design, and project management services to food businesses. His deep connection to the Latinx community, alongside his commitment to generational success, is at the heart of his mission. An alumnus of the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, Espinoza credits ICCC with helping him secure vital access to capital and business resources, empowering him to scale his company. In recognition of his success, he was honored as an IC100 award winner, a moment he describes as a validation of his hard work and impact. Today, Espinoza continues to support other Latinx entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their food businesses. His inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and community support. Read More

Some of the most recent graduates of ICIC’s Building for Growth (BFG) program hail from Northern California, demonstrating the program's regional reach and tailored support for local BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned contractors. These business owners, equipped with new skills and strategies, are now securing larger contracts and streamlining operations to significantly grow their impact. LaSonia Mansfield shared, “Thanks to BFG's training, I have achieved many significant milestones, including securing my second prime contract and managing more than three contracts simultaneously.” Reva Murphy of Reva Murphy Associates added, “I needed to listen to the knowledgeable instructors to put into practice their insightful suggestions, business development concepts, and long-range planning skills critical to grow a business.” The program's success, made possible by sponsors like Intuit, The Home Depot, and PG&E, has empowered participants to transform their businesses while fostering a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Read More

Josue Velney is a former Marine and retired firefighter who is now a full-time real estate developer and the CEO of Velney Development, LLC. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction management and is a licensed unrestricted construction supervisor. Velney's military background has shaped his leadership skills, which he has applied to real estate development. He is committed to improving his community through strategic real estate projects and has a rental portfolio spanning several cities. Velney participated in ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) and Building for Growth (BFG) programs, which provided him with advanced education, coaching, and mentoring. As a result of his hard work and training, his company formed a strategic alliance with Callahan Construction Managers, a full-service construction management company headquartered in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Velney emphasizes the importance of patience and the support he received from the ICIC community in achieving his success. Read More