Under the leadership of siblings David and Paul R. Balkan, Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service exemplifies the power of innovation and strong leadership principles in building a successful business. Their tangible commitment to authenticity, employee care, and a robust company culture has played a critical role in achieving their ambitious goals. Participating in the Goldman Sach 10,000 Small Businesses program led to explosive growth, resulting in the company’s revenue doubling. With a rich history of customer satisfaction and a clear vision for the future, the company is poised to leverage technological advancements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. They aim to expand their offerings and double sales for the second time in Balkan’s history. By embracing innovation without fear, they have elevated their business–a genuine inspiration for all entrepreneurs to pursue excellence in their respective fields. Read More

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has supported entrepreneurs for more than a decade by offering business training, access to capital, and personalized support services. The program has helped more than 14,000 businesses and in 2023, Goldman Sachs announced a $100 million investment to expand the program in rural communities across the United States. The initiative already has a track record of success in these communities, with 74% of rural small businesses reporting revenue growth and 72% expanding their workforce as a result. “Thriving rural communities mean that more populated areas can thrive too. If small towns are doing well and our money stays local, we can support and do business with people in bigger cities,” stated alumnus Carl Clemetson of Hometown Elegance Event Catering & Productions based in Minot, North Dakota. The program has already launched in multiple locations and will be available across 20 states in the next five years. Applications are open now to entrepreneurs in North Dakota, Mississippi, Indiana, and Montana. Read More

BC Design Haus is a woman- and Asian-owned, design and branding agency based in Pasadena, California. Bernadette Capulong, the company’s CEO, describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur, having turned to self-employment to replace her income after being laid off during the Great Recession. Since the firm’s official launch in 2015, she has led the company to achieve double-digit revenue growth year over year. BCDH was recognized nationally for its growth, appearing for the second year in a row on the Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023. This success would not be possible without Capulong’s persistent focus on building partnerships with her clients and her team. Her nearly decade-long journey as an entrepreneur has taught her five key lessons: seek out a program like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, understand that owning a small business is a long game, seek advice from a mentor, hire the right people, and be good to your clients. Read More

Mouji Boulanger is the founder and president of Create, Enjoy, Inspire, Inc. (CEI), a woman-owned construction company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Boulanger focuses on building people first and then building the business. CEI helps tradespeople without college degrees advance into leadership roles in project management and superintendent positions. Her commitment to her mission and her community has led to the success of her business. CEI's four-year growth rate of 3,719.70% earned the company the number two ranking in its debut appearance on ICIC's Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023. While attending the awards ceremony, Boulanger was elated to find that she had finally found her community of like-minded business people. Her story is a testament to the fact that success comes when you focus on building relationships, helping people grow, and working towards a greater purpose. Read More

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