For architect and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum Farooq Ameen, design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. As founder of City Design Studio, Farooq has spent years shaping spaces that reflect the stories, needs, and identities of the communities they serve. From converting an old factory into a transitional facility for unhoused residents to designing a public plaza in Inglewood, his work is rooted in care, vision, and deep local ties. His creative approach is fueling growth—earning City Design Studio national recognition as a 2024 IC100 Award winner and establishing Farooq as a trusted voice among his peers. At ICIC’s Innovation Summit, he shared forward-thinking insights on how small businesses can embrace AI in ways that strengthen, rather than compromise, their mission. Read More

For Saria Hawkins-Banda, writing things down has always been a way to bring her vision to life. That personal act of self-care sparked Manifest Your Purpose—a thriving brand that celebrates identity and empowers women to lead with intention. With support from the Goldman Sachs Black in Business program, Saria unlocked new growth strategies and landed high-profile B2B partnerships with companies like JP Morgan and PayPal. Her revenue skyrocketed—and so did her impact. Her journey proves that when creativity meets community, anything is possible. Read More

Nigel Chiddick, President and CEO of Seven Source, Inc., has spent years redefining what it means to build commercial spaces—with durability, community, and equity at the center. Since founding Seven Source in 2018, Nigel has led his team to leverage smarter, sustainable solutions and techniques that don’t just stand the test of time but also create welcoming, meaningful environments for people. From revitalizing Houston’s Lynn Wyatt Square to mentoring underrepresented talent, Seven Source blends expertise with heart. Last year, Nigel and his team earned their first IC100 Award—a recognition that highlights not only business growth but also their lasting contributions to communities and industry. Read More

Tamara Keefe grew up hand-churning ice cream with her family—now, she’s serving up joy across the country through her award-winning company, Clementine’s Ice Cream. With help from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Tamara found the tools to scale with heart, transforming a deeply personal passion into a fast-growing, nationally recognized brand. From boozy flavors and small-batch quality to inclusive community spaces, Clementine’s isn’t just about dessert—it’s about connection, purpose, and building something magical. Read More

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