Christa Cotton, the visionary behind El Guapo, a premium bitters, syrups, and mixers brand, has earned her spot on the prestigious Inner City 100 (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

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

Jackie Bebenroth, CEO of Muse, is redefining branding through innovation and strategic leadership. Under her guidance, Muse earned the prestigious IC 100 Award in 2024, a testament to its forward-thinking approach. Jackie’s commitment to embracing new technologies, from AI integration to user-friendly design platforms, has empowered brands to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Beyond business success, she champions social responsibility, offering pro bono branding services to underserved communities. Her journey, shaped by programs like Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, highlights the transformative power of education and strategic growth. 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

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