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

Nigel Chiddick, President and CEO of Seven Source, Inc., has spent years redefining what it means to build commercial spaces—with durability, community, and equity at the center. Since founding Seven Source in 2018, Nigel has led his team to leverage smarter, sustainable solutions and techniques that don’t just stand the test of time but also create welcoming, meaningful environments for people. From revitalizing Houston’s Lynn Wyatt Square to mentoring underrepresented talent, Seven Source blends expertise with heart. Last year, Nigel and his team earned their first IC100 Award—a recognition that highlights not only business growth but also their lasting contributions to communities and industry. Read More

Christa Cotton, the visionary behind El Guapo, a premium bitters, syrups, and mixers brand, has earned her spot on the prestigious IC100 Awards list. Her ingenuity transformed El Guapo from a flourishing wholesale business to a direct-to-consumer powerhouse during the 2020 pandemic. By pivoting quickly, she tripled the company’s growth in just nine months. Innovation, for Christa, means honoring cocktail culture while pushing boundaries with top-tier ingredients and a strong sustainability commitment. As El Guapo continues to expand, she’s focused on sharing New Orleans flavors globally, tapping into the growing demand for zero-proof beverages, and scaling without sacrificing quality. Christa’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs: stay flexible, know your 'why,' and always prioritize quality. Her journey is a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the power of adaptation. 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

Inner City 100 (IC100) award winner Tony Ehrbar turned a bold career shift into a thriving business by applying innovative thinking to the tent industry. After acquiring American Tent in 2014, he reimagined traditional approaches, growing the company from three employees to 40 and expanding into a 110,000-square-foot facility. His commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions—such as rethinking tent anchoring methods and incorporating revolutionary sustainable materials into his products—has fueled rapid growth, setting new industry standards. Tony believes innovation is key to sustainability, business success, and community impact. His forward-thinking strategies have helped American Tent scale significantly, earning national recognition as an IC100 award winner. Read More