Ivy Lawson, founder and CEO of Ivyees ‘Everything Honey’, is the first person of color to open a business in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood. Considered a pioneer by many, Ivy sees herself simply as a woman who “followed a sign” to create her business selling raw honey-based products. Read More

Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO of the Washington, DC-based The Menkiti Group, is in the business of real estate. Others who witness Bo’s work first-hand would say he’s in the business of transformation. Not only an alumnus of the ICCC program, Bo was the 2017 recipient of the Marcia Lamb Inner City Innovation Award, which recognizes visionary leadership at the forefront of creating positive change in urban economic development and inner cities. He also serves on the advisory board of our newly launched Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN). Read More

This piece originally appeared in our 2018 Inner City Capital Connections Impact Report.  Vanessa Faggiolly doesn’t know the meaning of defeat. Starting from nothing, she’s been able to attain a piece of the American dream. Armed with resilience, a deep love for her family, and a lasting connection to her homeland, Vanessa Faggiolly ... Read More

In 1991, Anne-Merelie Murrell was looking to buy old buildings with the intention of returning them to their former glory. One property owner, Louie Giroux, was happy to sell his building– if she also bought his glass company the building housed. And she accepted. Read More

Small businesses account for most of the employment in the United States, making it more important than ever that we support entrepreneurs by helping build their businesses. When small businesses succeed, it leads to good jobs and better local economies. Our goals include fostering healthy communities along with healthy businesses. Read More