
ICIC
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ICIC’s mission is to drive economic prosperity in America’s inner cities through private sector investment to create jobs, income and wealth for local residents.
ICIC
2w ago
ICIC proudly highlights its partnership with Artists for Humanity (AFH), a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through paid art apprenticeships. For nearly a decade, AFH has designed the unique awards for the prestigious Inner City 100 Awards, celebrating the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities. This collaboration not only provides real-world experience for talented young artists but also symbolizes the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. Together, ICIC and AFH emphasize the vital role of creativity and mentorship in driving communit ..read more
ICIC
2w ago
Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (NREUV) is reshaping community development through a holistic approach aimed at revitalizing under-resourced neighborhoods. Recently honored with the IC100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award, NREUV exemplifies commitment to inclusive, affordable housing and economic empowerment. Under the leadership of Dr. Gina Merritt, the organization not only focuses on real estate but also connects individuals in low-income areas to career opportunities through initiatives like Project Community Capital. Looking towards the future, NREUV aims to assist mor ..read more
ICIC
2w ago
Mainstream Medical Devices, founded in 2018 in Austin, is revolutionizing the medical technology landscape with a focus on enhancing patient outcomes and reducing surgical site infections. The company specializes in contract manufacturing, packaging, and single-use OEM instruments for startups and mid-sized businesses. In 2024, Mainstream received the Business Growth Award for its remarkable revenue growth of nearly 9,500% from 2019 to 2023. Led by Dana Wilcox, CEO, and Aaron Bailey, President, the company is committed to accessibility for small medical device companies, addressing gaps in the ..read more
ICIC
2w ago
In a world where technology and sustainability intersect, Electronic Responsible Recyclers (ER2) stands out as a beacon of innovation and social impact. Founded by Chris Ko, ER2 specializes in responsible IT asset management while prioritizing community service by donating recycled technology to underserved families, students, and veterans globally. The company was recently honored with the IC100 2024 FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship Award for exemplifying innovation, sustainability, and social impact on a global scale.
With a strong commitment to empowering others, ER2’s initia ..read more
ICIC
3w ago
In the past forty years, the landscape of concentrated poverty in the United States has changed. The Evolution and Landscape of Under-Resourced Communities in U.S. Metropolitan Areas, published in the journal Economic Development Quarterly, traces the evolution of under-resourced communities in U.S. metropolitan areas from 1980 to 2019. The article describes in depth the changes seen in under-resourced communities, including:
The share of metropolitan residents who live in under-resourced communities has grown.
Under-resourced communities have become more racially diverse, with expanding shar ..read more
ICIC
3M ago
The Structural Barriers to Small Business Success interactive map tool, developed by ICIC and Small Business Majority, provides critical insights into the challenges faced by small businesses in various communities, particularly those of color. Following the dynamic webinar demonstrationing and discussing the practical applications of the tool, lead project researchers have developed case studies on two cities, Chicago and Atlanta, to highlight the uses of the tool.
The case studies highlight key features of the interactive map, including understanding business success across racial and ethnic ..read more
ICIC
3M ago
Colleen Middleton’s path from the U.S. Air Force to successful business owner reflects the deep military legacy in her family and her own drive to serve. Inspired by her brothers, both Marines, Middleton enlisted in the Air Force and dedicated six years to military service. After her service, she moved into corporate accounting but, in 2020, pivoted to start her own trucking business. When health challenges and setbacks arose, her determination and a timely nomination to ICIC’s ICCC program helped her reassess her business direction.
Supported by the ICCC staff and fellow entrepreneurs, Middle ..read more
ICIC
3M ago
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 ..read more
ICIC
4M ago
At ICIC, our commitment to supporting small business owners remains strong. In collaboration with M&T Bank, we recently hosted two dynamic networking events in Washington D.C. (September 24) and Baltimore (September 26). We welcomed more than 60 attendees at each event, fostering vibrant spaces for connection and relationship-building.
Months of planning culminated in a seamless experience. Attendees not only engaged with one another but also enjoyed exciting giveaways, from business growth tools to a signed Baltimore Ravens helmet.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees ..read more
ICIC
4M ago
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 ..read more