In a new report, the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) shows how important small businesses are as job creators in 10 of America’s largest cities and their under-resourced inner cities.  The report, updates and expands on ICIC’s 2016 report  on the subject. Read More

In addition to galvanizing ICIC’s alumni and friends around supporting their local independent bookstores on Saturday, April 27, we thought it would be the right time to recognize our own. Frugal Bookstore, located directly across the street from the ICIC office. Read More

March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the achievements of women throughout history. These achievements span disciplines; they are social, cultural, political, and of course, economic. Read More

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

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