For architect and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum Farooq Ameen, design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. As founder of City Design Studio, Farooq has spent years shaping spaces that reflect the stories, needs, and identities of the communities they serve. From converting an old factory into a transitional facility for unhoused residents to designing a public plaza in Inglewood, his work is rooted in care, vision, and deep local ties. His creative approach is fueling growth—earning City Design Studio national recognition as a 2024 IC100 Award winner and establishing Farooq as a trusted voice among his peers. At ICIC’s Innovation Summit, he shared forward-thinking insights on how small businesses can embrace AI in ways that strengthen, rather than compromise, their mission. Read More

Tamara Keefe grew up hand-churning ice cream with her family—now, she’s serving up joy across the country through her award-winning company, Clementine’s Ice Cream. With help from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Tamara found the tools to scale with heart, transforming a deeply personal passion into a fast-growing, nationally recognized brand. From boozy flavors and small-batch quality to inclusive community spaces, Clementine’s isn’t just about dessert—it’s about connection, purpose, and building something magical. Read More

Dr. Pamela Nelson, ICCC alumna and founder of Bracane Company, is breaking barriers in healthcare by tackling disparities in underserved communities. With more than 30 years of experience, she saw firsthand the challenges minority populations face in accessing quality care and clinical research. Bracane Company partners with governments, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and communities in fulfilling its mission to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in underserved communities.  Dr. Nelson’s journey reflects the power of innovation and resilience. She remains committed to growth, aiming to expand services tenfold in five years. Her story is an inspiration for entrepreneurs seeking to drive meaningful change. Read More

At ICIC, we know the power of storytelling in driving impact, and our partnership with Riveo Creative exemplifies this. Led by ICCC and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) graduate Elin Barton, Riveo Creative has played a vital role in producing high-quality videos for ICIC’s IC100 special awards, Impact Report, and the 2024 What’s Your Why? campaign—bringing the stories of small business owners to life. Read More

Jackie Bebenroth, CEO of Muse, is redefining branding through innovation and strategic leadership. Under her guidance, Muse earned the prestigious IC 100 Award in 2024, a testament to its forward-thinking approach. Jackie’s commitment to embracing new technologies, from AI integration to user-friendly design platforms, has empowered brands to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Beyond business success, she champions social responsibility, offering pro bono branding services to underserved communities. Her journey, shaped by programs like Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, highlights the transformative power of education and strategic growth. Read More