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Blog: 10000 Small Businesses

03-06-24

A Year of Recognition: Members of ICIC’s Alumni Network Receive Local and National Awards

ICIC

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
The 2024 season will begin just before May and conclude in December. However, there are a few organizations that have already announced honorees. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) revealed the 14 winners of its 2024 Star Award, three of which are ICAN members: Michele Adams, CEO and President of Levy Recognition; Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney of West Hill Technology Counsel, Inc.; and Barb Smith, President of Journey Steel. Read More


02-16-24

What’s Chef Farrell’s Why? Creative Freedom: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Culinary Arts

ICIC

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


11-17-23

Riveo Creative: A Journey of Growth, Purpose, and Positive Impact

ICIC

Elin Barton's entrepreneurial journey with White Knight Productions, now rebranded as Riveo Creative, is a tale of resilience, growth, and purpose-driven impact. Faced with the challenge of expanding nationally in 2015, Elin turned to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, overcoming a setback with determination and completing the program. Years later, her pursuit of social impact led to a transformative experience with the ICCC program, inspiring a partnership between ICIC and Riveo Creative. Believing in the power of connections, Elin has fostered a community of entrepreneurs for nearly a decade. In 2023, Riveo Creative embraced a renewed purpose, aligning with ICIC's values of diversity and sustainability, and amplifying the voices of small businesses and communities. The journey continues as Riveo Creative takes intentional steps toward a future of exponential positive impact, celebrating shared success in community empowerment. Read More


11-15-23

Navigating the Social Media Landscape: Insights from Industry Experts

ICIC

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


11-13-23

Saluting Success: Veterans Making an Impact Through Education, Entrepreneurship, and Community Building

ICIC

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



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