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

Storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives, amplify voices, and drive real change—and EmVision Productions, recently named the 2025 SBA Massachusetts Microenterprise of the Year, is leading the way. Co-founded by Dr. Tariana V. Little and Jonas Meyer, this innovative media agency blends creativity and health sciences to advance social justice and empower communities. Their Social Impact Storytelling™ approach helps organizations amplify their missions. Committed to “giving forward,” EmVision supports under-represented communities through pro bono services, grassroots collaborations, and scholarships. As they continue expanding their reach, EmVision proves that intentional storytelling has the power to create lasting change. Read More

Colleen Middleton’s path from the U.S. Air Force to successful business owner reflects the deep military legacy in her family and her own drive to serve. Inspired by her brothers, both Marines, Middleton enlisted in the Air Force and dedicated six years to military service. After her service, she moved into corporate accounting but, in 2020, pivoted to start her own trucking business. When health challenges and setbacks arose, her determination and a timely nomination to ICIC’s ICCC program helped her reassess her business direction. Supported by the ICCC staff and fellow entrepreneurs, Middleton has expanded Excerebus to pursue government contracts, creating job opportunities for veterans and launching the Excerebus Foundation to aid homeless veterans. “The ICCC staff are incredible—they weren’t just there to guide me through the program; they genuinely cared about my journey and my success,” Middleton shared. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and purpose veterans bring to business, a strength now reinforced by her ICCC journey and the support of partners like FedEx. Read More

Jack Smith, a former Air Force programmer turned CEO of Fortuna Business Management Consulting, is on a mission to empower veterans through meaningful careers. His journey, supported by the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. Fortuna was built with a clear purpose: to create quality jobs for veterans, their spouses, and reservists, while upholding the highest standards of consulting services. ICCC’s resources and the IC100 award have been instrumental in Fortuna’s growth, helping Smith scale his company rapidly and inspire future entrepreneurs. With four IC100 awards under his belt, Smith’s vision is clear—continue impacting lives, building partnerships, and proving that "good people can win." Read More