Every entrepreneur can point to a moment when someone opened a door. At ICIC's Annual Conference, Changemakers Take Action, members of the Atlanta Steering Committee of ICIC's Alumni Network (ICAN) helped create those moments for hundreds of business owners. Through warm welcomes, meaningful introductions, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed, they showed that growth doesn't happen alone. Their story is a reminder that the relationships built through ICIC programs can continue long after graduation, creating new opportunities for businesses and strengthening communities along the way. Read More

For Barb Smith, growth has always been a journey. Through Building for Growth, Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, ICAN, and other ICIC opportunities, she has gained the knowledge, connections, and confidence to continue building Journey Steel. Today, she is paying that support forward by creating career pathways and supporting the next generation of leaders. Read More

ICIC’s Alumni Network (ICAN) continues to strengthen ecosystems and inspire small business growth across the country. The launch of the ICAN Philadelphia Alumni Chapter brought together entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders to celebrate connection, collaboration, and resilience. Supported by Santander Bank, Ceiba, and Finanta, the event showcased the power of partnerships and highlighted Philadelphia’s determined, deeply rooted business community. The new chapter builds on that strength by linking alumni to peers, partners, and resources that help them grow. Led by alumni who pay it forward through mentorship, programming, and donations, ICAN continues to expand opportunity and demonstrate that when one alum succeeds, the entire community moves forward. Read More

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