Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

Looking to grow your business, strengthen your strategy, and access capital?

Join an upcoming virtual information session for ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) Greater Boston Cohort and learn how this business accelerator can support growth-stage entrepreneurs over five months.

Choose from two upcoming sessions:

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM ET

📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

During the session, you’ll hear directly from ICCC Program Director Diego Portillo Mazal and learn how ICCC supports entrepreneurs with real-world tools to grow their business.

ICCC provides qualifying businesses with access to tailored business education, one-on-one coaching, capital access support, expert-led learning, and practical tools for marketing, customer engagement, financial discipline, data-driven decision-making, and AI.

The Greater Boston Cohort launches June 24. Small business owners in Greater Boston are encouraged to act quickly as applications are open now, and space is limited.

Apply today at http://icic.org/iccc/apply

Interested small business owners and support organizations can register here for our information sessions :

June 2nd session: https://icic.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/event/home/2026bosinfosessionam

June 4th session: https://icic.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/event/home/2026bosinfosessionpm

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that caring for ourselves is essential to how we lead, work, and build community.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, the demands of running a business can be especially heavy. From managing finances and teams to serving customers and navigating uncertainty, the work often comes with long hours, high pressure, and personal sacrifice.

At ICIC, we recognize that supporting entrepreneurs means supporting the whole person — not just the business. Strong businesses are built by people who deserve access to resources, community, rest, and support.

This month and beyond, we encourage small business owners to check in with themselves, lean on their networks, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Attention small food business owners! 🍽️

Ready to strengthen your business plan, sharpen your pitch, and gain the tools to grow sustainably?

Join an upcoming webinar to learn more about Santander Bank US ’s Cultivate Small Business program — a FREE 12-week MBA-style virtual program designed for early-stage food entrepreneurs, with a focus on supporting historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income communities.

Through live virtual classes taught by Babson College professors, participants will build a stronger understanding of their target market, financials, and growth goals — and successful graduates may be eligible for capital grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

Upcoming webinar dates:
📆 Tuesday, June 16 at 3 p.m. ET
📆 Thursday, July 9 at 3 p.m. ET
The Fall 2026 cohort is open to entrepreneurs in all 50 states. Applications are due by July 21.

Learn more and apply here: icic.org/programs/csb/infosession

A few weeks ago at the ICIC Annual Conference, three ICIC program alumni took the stage for our Gentler, Kinder Shark Tank-Style Pitch Competition — and they brought incredible ideas, energy, and heart.

Congratulations to Christine Dixon, creator of Harriet Tubman Herself, on being named the winner! Christine’s interactive one-woman show has reached audiences across the U.S. and internationally, helping keep Harriet Tubman’s legacy alive in a powerful and engaging way.

We also want to give a big thank you to all of our pitching companies:
⭐ Tayo Davies, Founder of Med Clinical Research Partners, LLC
⭐ Christine Dixon, Actor and Creator of Harriet Tubman Herself
⭐ Laith Pahlawan, Founder & CEO of Bloom

Each entrepreneur shared a thoughtful vision for their next stage of growth, and we’re grateful they brought their stories and ideas to the ICIC community.

Thank you as well to our “Gentle Sharks” — Dr. Topé Mitchell, Cam Miller, Jonathan Tower, and Doug Wheeler — for sharing their insights, encouragement, and practical feedback.

Congratulations again to Christine, and thank you to everyone who made this session such a fun and meaningful part of the Annual Conference!

Congratulations to two incredible ICIC community members on their recent recognition!

ICCC program alumnus and past IC100 Award winner Roberto Martinez was honored with the Modern Entrepreneur Award for Community & Economic Impact by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles. Roberto’s work continues to help Main Street businesses, immigrant entrepreneurs, and underrepresented founders access the tools, training, and support they need to grow and compete in today’s economy.

We’re also celebrating Jeanette Velasquez, who has been selected as a Commonwealth Heroine – Class of 2026 by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Through Velasquez Tax & Business Services and Core Values Strong Families, Jeanette has spent nearly two decades helping small businesses, families, and underserved communities build financial stability and create lasting change.

Roberto and Jeanette embody the spirit of the ICIC community: leading with purpose, showing up for others, and creating meaningful economic impact in the communities they serve.

Please join us in congratulating them on these well-deserved honors!