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

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

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

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

ICIC proudly highlights its partnership with Artists for Humanity (AFH), a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through paid art apprenticeships. For nearly a decade, AFH has designed the unique awards for the prestigious Inner City 100 Awards, celebrating the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities. This collaboration not only provides real-world experience for talented young artists but also symbolizes the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. Together, ICIC and AFH emphasize the vital role of creativity and mentorship in driving community development. Read More