ICIC offered alumni the opportunity to explore the dynamic realm of social media marketing through insights shared by industry leaders in a recent ICAN webinar. From tailored strategies on LinkedIn to the power of storytelling on Instagram, the speakers, including Dianne Austin, Buzz Busbee, and Leo Voloshin, cover diverse approaches. The webinar, moderated by Dina Towbin of Dina Towbin & Associates, highlights the importance of continuous learning, openness to new strategies, and the ever-present value of engaging with your audience in the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing. Read More

ICIC proudly highlights the achievements of veteran alumni and supporters from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, showcased by entrepreneurs such as Carl Chaisson and Darcella Craven. These individuals are not only advancing in their business endeavors but are also leaving a positive impact on the veteran community. Under the leadership of Carl Chaisson, United One Communications goes beyond cybersecurity expertise, embodying the fusion of education and community engagement fostered by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The company, a defense contractor since 2015, not only contributes to national cybersecurity efforts but also prioritizes the education and development of its employees. Darcella Craven, the driving force behind the VetBiz, is dedicated to empowering veterans through entrepreneurship. Whether as Executive Director of VetBiz or Regional Advocate at the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, her comprehensive approach includes education, consulting, and mentoring, resulting in impressive outcomes such as creating jobs and assisting more than 8,000 entrepreneurs. Both stories exemplify how education and community building are essential foundations for building successful and socially conscious businesses that contribute meaningfully to the community and the nation. Read More

On October 30, 2023, Mayor Wu and eight local economic development leaders, including ICIC, signed the Compact to Build Local Economic Growth, marking a groundbreaking initiative for Boston's economic development. This transformative compact signifies the City of Boston's commitment, in collaboration with partners like ICIC, to elevate awareness, engagement, and opportunities for local minority-owned enterprises, woman-led businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Beyond business transactions, the Compact underscores the profound community benefits of supplier diversity, emphasizing economic resilience, empowerment, and the creation of a more inclusive and thriving environment. The Compact's strategic principles, ranging from awareness and certification to engagement, policy, and transparency, set the stage for a future where diverse businesses contribute significantly to Boston's economic growth. ICIC, proud to be among the participating organizations, reinforces our dedication to fostering economic growth, creating generational wealth, and offering opportunities for local businesses. As the City and its partners implement the outlined principles, a more inclusive, diverse, and economically vibrant future is on the horizon. Read More

At the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) conference in Baltimore, ICIC engaged with industry leaders, celebrated successes, and advocated for transformative change in supplier diversity. The research team presented on "Advancing Racial Equity in America’s New Industrial Transformation," focusing on bridging representation gaps for Black and Hispanic manufacturers in major supply chains. Notably, Pam Nelson, CEO of Bracane Company, Inc., an ICIC alum, was celebrated as the Supplier of the Year, highlighting her dedication. The conference showcased ICIC's collaborative efforts in developing Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and fostering an inclusive economy, emphasizing the commitment to #closetheequitygap. In expressing gratitude to supporters, ICIC emphasized that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral values driving their mission forward. The conference underscored ICIC's dedication to positive change, from empowering entrepreneurs to advocating for racial equity and fostering economic growth and empowerment. Read More

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