Jack Smith, a former Air Force programmer turned CEO of Fortuna Business Management Consulting, is on a mission to empower veterans through meaningful careers. His journey, supported by the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. Fortuna was built with a clear purpose: to create quality jobs for veterans, their spouses, and reservists, while upholding the highest standards of consulting services. ICCC’s resources and the IC100 award have been instrumental in Fortuna’s growth, helping Smith scale his company rapidly and inspire future entrepreneurs. With four IC100 awards under his belt, Smith’s vision is clear—continue impacting lives, building partnerships, and proving that "good people can win." Read More

Sergio Espinoza, founder of Manka Food Service Consulting and Design, is a shining example of how dedication, culture, and community focus can fuel entrepreneurial success. Starting as a small business providing Spanish-language food safety training, Espinoza expanded Manka into a thriving company that offers consulting, kitchen design, and project management services to food businesses. His deep connection to the Latinx community, alongside his commitment to generational success, is at the heart of his mission. An alumnus of the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, Espinoza credits ICCC with helping him secure vital access to capital and business resources, empowering him to scale his company. In recognition of his success, he was honored as an IC100 award winner, a moment he describes as a validation of his hard work and impact. Today, Espinoza continues to support other Latinx entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their food businesses. His inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and community support. Read More

In the heart of midtown Memphis sits Global Café. Established in 2018, Global is a unique food hall that offers authentic international cuisine at affordable prices, all prepared from scratch by immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs. The restaurant was founded by Sabine Langer, who drew inspiration from her experiences moving from Switzerland to the U.S. and volunteering in immigrant communities. Langer created Global Café to provide a safe space to help vulnerable individuals to establish themselves in a new country. Global Café goes beyond being just a restaurant. The organization’s dedication to providing opportunities for individuals with no prior experience, offering free English lessons, and paying higher wages than other businesses, has helped its employees achieve significant resettlement milestones, such as buying a home or a personal vehicle. In 2023, Global Café received recognition on the Inner City 100 Awards list for its outstanding growth. With a remarkable 146.6% four-year average growth rate, the café stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and inclusivity. Read More

Anne-Marie Jenkins founded iStaffing Services in Batesville, Mississippi to help people find jobs in the area. She initially moved there to take care of her aging in-laws, but her passion for helping families extended beyond her home. With a background in the staffing industry and experience in outreach and admissions for Job Corps, Jenkins has been able to offer hope through job opportunities to families in the rural areas of the Mississippi Delta. She was nominated by FedEx to participate in the Inner City Capital Connections program, which provided valuable support and mentorship during a challenging time in her personal and professional life. Thanks to the program, her company is projected to increase its profits by 600% this year. Read More

Marcus Williams is the founder and Principal Consultant of MW Consulting, a D.C.-based firm that supports clients in leveraging communications to connect with their stakeholders and customers. Despite his challenging upbringing, Williams holds impressive academic qualifications and has held leadership roles in the communications field across various sectors. His career success led him to debut appearance on the Inner City 100 Awards list in 2023 ranking at 19. He credits his faith in a higher power as the primary driving force behind his accomplishments. A member of multiple marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, Williams approaches entrepreneurship from a unique perspective. He is committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in both his personal and professional endeavors. Read More