At ICIC, our commitment to supporting small business owners remains strong. In collaboration with M&T Bank, we recently hosted two dynamic networking events in Washington D.C. (September 24) and Baltimore (September 26). We welcomed more than 60 attendees at each event, fostering vibrant spaces for connection and relationship-building. Months of planning culminated in a seamless experience. Attendees not only engaged with one another but also enjoyed exciting giveaways, from business growth tools to a signed Baltimore Ravens helmet. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees rating their experience an impressive 4 out of 5. They reported making an average of five new business connections, highlighting the events' effectiveness in nurturing relationships within the community. As Greg Smith from M&T Bank noted, our collaboration aims to enhance financial education for small business owners, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. These events exemplify what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common goal. We look forward to ongoing partnerships that continue to empower small businesses and foster lasting connections. Read More

The ICIC Back Bay Small Business mixer, held in August and sponsored by EY, brought together alumni from ICIC’s executive education programs, partners, and ICIC staff and board members. The Alumni Steering Committee played a key role in shaping the event’s vision, aiming to create an environment for local businesses to connect and collaborate, strengthening the community. We connected with two committee members, Judi Vigna, CEO of Specialized Career Guidance LLC, and Jeysi Zuniga, President of Synergy Contracting, Inc., to hear highlights of the event. They shared their insights from the successful networking, authentic conversations, and a powerful speech by Steve Grossman. The event aimed to spark long-term partnerships and continued collaboration among businesses, ultimately strengthening and growing the local business community. Read More

On July 11, ICIC hosted Innovate Atlanta: Igniting B2B Connections. The event brought together a dynamic network of more than 100 small business owners and their guests. The event provided a platform for attendees to connect, learn about resources, and foster a sense of community. The atmosphere allowed for stimulating conversations, creating a space brimming with energy and enthusiasm as participants enjoyed delightful appetizers and drinks. Attendees actively engaged with partner organizations, making meaningful connections throughout the evening. Innovate Atlanta received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees praising the opportunity to discover local resources and engage with fellow business owners. ICIC’s Alumni Network Program Lead, Carolin Mejia, and Program Coordinator, Ivana Findlay, sat down to share more about this exciting evening of networking and similar events that will be held in Boston, D.C., and Baltimore in August and September. Read More

Dianne Austin, a breast cancer survivor, founded Coils to Locs after experiencing the lack of culturally sensitive wigs for people of color during her chemotherapy. Losing her hair in just two weeks, she found no suitable wigs that matched her curly, black hair, prompting her to start her own business in 2019. Dianne became a certified wig maker and initially partnered with three hospitals in Boston, now collaborating with 22 hospitals to provide realistic wigs that help individuals maintain their identity. Her mission extends beyond cancer patients, catering to various conditions causing hair loss. Supported by ICIC, Dianne has expanded her business, emphasizing self-expression, individuality, and inclusivity in her advocacy work. Read More

ICIC's Building for Growth (BFG) program joined ICIC's Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN) in California, where they hosted information sessions in Oakland and Sacramento to launch the 2024 BFG application. In the two years since the program’s start, BFG has served 166 construction firms from 29 states. Graduates from the inaugural cohort saw incredible success, raising $5.4 million in total capital, increasing their bonding capacity by an average of 156%, and increasing their backlog by an average of 101%. The information sessions, which were held in conjunction with small business networking events hosted by ICAN, marked the first time that construction owners had the opportunity to network in-person with program staff and alumni before applying. Steve Lamar, BFG Program Director, shared how the program is specifically designed to help later-stage construction companies reach their next level, outlining the unique aspects of the program, such as classes taught by successful industry practitioners, learning with a group of peers from across the nation, and having access to digital and human resources that remain available after completing the course. Building for Growth alumni also offered comments, eagerly expressing the impact of the program on their companies. Read More