Connecticut Pilot

In 2024, ICIC, through its Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, proudly partnered with Amazon and Arctaris Impact Investors to launch the Amazon Accelerate and Empower (Amazon A&E) program. This innovative initiative aims to accelerate the growth and development of diverse-owned and small businesses (DOSBs) in under-resourced communities. The curriculum is built on the core elements of ICCC’s flagship “mini-MBA” program and incorporates specialized content for suppliers created and delivered by Amazon.

The pilot cohort supported 30 businesses based in Connecticut. Participants engaged in the comprehensive curriculum, which began with an in-person training seminar followed by a series of online classes and one-on-one coaching sessions. By providing tailored education, industry-specific capital resources, procurement readiness coaching, and direct connections to Amazon’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion team, the program equipped businesses with the tools they need to succeed. The capstone event was held in December and featured dynamic four-minute pitches from 21 participants. The pitches were judged by Amazon category managers from the Supplier Diversity and Inclusion team, covering various sectors.

“One of the most impactful aspects of the program was its emphasis on real-time collaboration and data-driven decision-making.”
Rohan Freeman, Freeman Companies

The requirements for the Amazon A&E Program included:

• Diverse-owned or Small Businesses (DOSBs)
• For-profit companies
• Located in an under-resourced communities in Connecticut
• Generating average annual revenues of $1 million
• Operating for at least three years and past the start-up stage

2024 Connecticut Cohort Participants

Congratulations to the 2024 Connecticut cohort participants! We look forward to seeing how these entrepreneurs shape the future!

“Just the possibility of becoming an Amazon partner has shifted my mindset to a ‘what if’ state of mind, pushing us to plan and prepare for future success.”
Mary Oliver-Benoit, Olivetree Cleaning Systems, LLC