At ICIC, innovation is at the core of everything we do—from groundbreaking research to empowering small businesses with the tools they need to grow and thrive. That’s why we’ve designated 2025 as the Year of Innovation! ICIC was founded on an innovative idea: that small businesses in under-resourced communities can drive economic transformation by creating jobs, generating wealth, and strengthening local economies. For the past 30 years, we’ve turned insights into action, delivering research-driven programs that fuel growth, resilience, and opportunity.

This year, we are excited to launch several innovation-focused initiatives, including the Intuit More with AI Tour and the Manufacturing Accelerator Program: High-Growth Strategies for Manufacturers. We will also celebrate the 20-year milestone of our flagship program, ICCC, which has exemplified creativity and ingenuity since its inception. Additionally, we have multiple groundbreaking research projects scheduled for publication this year, the first of which—”AI in Business: How Small Business Owners Are Learning, Using, and Navigating Challenges with AI Tools“—is available now.

As we embark on the journey of exploring innovation in all its forms, we are most eager to showcase the incredible achievements of our program participants, alumni, and partners—the true changemakers shaping inclusive economic prosperity. We invite you to join us in this celebration. Let’s come together to showcase the vital role that innovation plays in all industries and sectors. Use the form below to share your definition of innovation, how it has contributed to your business’s success, and positively impacted others. Innovation has brought us to this point, and it will guide us toward a more inclusive future!

Share my Innovation Story

Spotlight on Innovators

Barry Love is an alumnus of ICIC’s ICCC program and an ICAN Steering Committee member in Atlanta. As Managing Director of Get Real Time Feedback, he focuses on transforming customer engagement through real-time insights and data-driven strategies. Barry has integrated AI into his business since Chat GPT’s launch, utilizing advanced solutions to significantly speed up processes that previously took days to complete. View video.

Through bold initiatives that defy conventions, three-time IC100 award winner Tony Ehrbar is transforming tent manufacturing and reshaping the coated textiles industry. His visionary approach has given rise to two companies, American Tent and Renegade Plastics, that shine as symbols of progress, growth, and a hopeful, eco-friendly future. Read more.

Under the leadership of siblings David and Paul R. Balkan, Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service exemplifies the power of innovation and strong leadership principles in building a successful business. With a rich history of customer satisfaction and a clear vision for the future, the company is poised to leverage technological advancements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Read more.

Randy Larsen is the COO & General Manager of Danne Montague King Co., the creator of DMK Skincare. Since co-founding the company in 1996, he has helped drive its growth. Randy is an alumnus of ICIC’s programs and a supporter of ICAN. He recently joined ICIC as a guest speaker at AI in Business: A Webinar where he shared how DMK is implementing innovative AI solutions to support their workforce. View video.