Martha De La Torre, founder and CEO of El Clasificado, a Spanish-language weekly, is the kind of person who embodies ICIC’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. Recently named one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women of Influence, her success has stemmed from dedication to her business model, her employees, and her community. Read More

As America’s workforce ages, new industries in need of cutting-edge skills are growing rapidly. Businesses are primed for hiring and creating new jobs, yet many workers find themselves in need of training and education to take advantage of these emerging opportunities. However, employer demand for skilled labor has started to align with the workforce’s appetite for training in ways that produce mutually beneficial outcomes. Read More

In cities across the U.S., rising commercial rents are threatening the viability of local, independently-owned businesses. Mom and pop shops are being priced out by national chains. Residential developers in search of a large-scale housing opportunity are pressuring the industry to relocate. A study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) ... Read More

While businesses have spent decades fleeing inner cities, their return to Chicago’s forgotten districts has helped create a new economic future for the city. Read More

While a cohesive company culture can drive employee loyalty and engagement, it can do more than that: it can actually drive company success. Read More