The small business awards season is a time for entrepreneurs to be honored by various organizations, societies, and government agencies. ICIC’s Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN) members excelled during the 2023 awards season, receiving prestigious local and national awards. Among the award winners were:

• Kimberly Black, CEO and President, Trusted Field Services
• Cassandria Campbell, CEO, Fresh Food Generation
• Lawrence Charles, Founder, Charles and Company
• David Delancy, Owner and CEO, One Day Came
• Vicki Gray, Founder and CEO, New Chapter HI Services
• Cuong Quy “CQ” Huynh, Co-Founder, General Manager, and Treasurer, Rende Progress Capital
• Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill Technology Counsel, Inc.
• Pamela Nelson, Founder and CEO, Bracane Company
• Caron Ng, CEO, NU-SET Inc.
• Liseth Velez, Founder and CEO, LJV Development

DMC Group, under the leadership of Mike Chaudhary and his son Yash, embodies a mission-driven approach to building a better tomorrow. Beginning as a demolition company in Detroit, DMC has blossomed into a significant player in the construction and development industry, aspiring to become Michigan's largest minority general contractor. With a foundation built on integrity, strong building practices, and respect for clients and partners, DMC has expanded its services to include site development, housing, and mixed-use projects, boasting revenues between $25-$30 million. This family-owned business, deeply rooted in personal values and professional excellence, has earned its place in the IC100 Hall of Fame by winning the Inner City 100 award five times, a testament to its impact on economic revitalization and employment in under-resourced communities. DMC's commitment extends beyond business achievements to environmental stewardship, community outreach, and providing second-chance employment opportunities, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to contributing positively to society and setting a legacy for future generations. Read More

Chef Saidah Farrell is the founder, CEO, and owner of Olivia Rose Confections, best known for their Marshmallow of the Month Club subscription box. The box is described as a s’more survival kit and includes chocolate bars, a house-made gourmet hot chocolate mix, freshly baked graham crackers, and the marshmallow of the month. Made from the freshest ingredients, Farrell has crafted 50 different flavors of these artisan marshmallows, spanning from traditional favorites like lemon, chocolate, and strawberry to decadent combinations like butter brandy, ginger cinnamon peach, and raspberry lime prosecco. Motivated by a desire to maintain creative freedom, the success that Chef Farrell has experienced over the last decade is the result of an unrelenting positive attitude and a willingness to learn, pivot, and adapt. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programs, Farrell’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and a supportive community. Read More

Cube Care, under the leadership of CEO Susana Robledo, reflects the transformative power of global trade, diversity, and community empowerment. Recognized as the 2023 Inner City 100 FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship Award winner, Cube Care's journey embodies the FedEx commitment to diversity and empowering entrepreneurs. The company's impact begins with its community engagement, from providing jobs to prison inmates to creating a supportive environment for single mothers. Robledo emphasizes a people-centric approach, fostering a diverse, self-driven, and family-oriented culture. Robledo's vision goes on to extend beyond borders in a thriving collaboration with FedEx Express Latin America & Caribbean HQ to enhance healthcare interiors internationally. Steve Grossman, CEO of ICIC, celebrated Cube Care's journey as a profound illustration of global entrepreneurship and community impact. Cube Care’s recognition as a multi-year IC100 Award winner reflects its commitment to inclusive economic development, celebrating resilience, collaboration, and the positive impact of entrepreneurship. The company's story is an inspiration, showcasing that success is measured not just in profits but in the transformative impact a company can make locally and globally. Read More

Omoné O. Livingston, driven by her passion for engineering and community impact, founded O2EPCM, Inc., which recently received the 2023 Inner City 100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award. O2EPCM specializes in providing comprehensive solutions in project management, construction management, project controls, QA/QC, inspection, staff augmentation, and design/engineering support. Beyond professional services, the company actively contributes to community development through impactful scholarships, internship initiatives, and involvement in community development events. O2EPCM's commitment to diversity is reflected in its hiring practices and participation in programs like the South Bay Workforce Program, transforming lives through meaningful careers. The company's dedication to employee growth, including benefits like tuition reimbursement and career counseling, results in a skilled and empowered workforce that benefits the communities it serves. Omoné's recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to her community and workforce. Read More