SHREVEPORT, La., October 30, 2024 (Globe Newswire) — The Initiative for Competitive Inner Cities (ICIC) is bringing the Inner City Capital Connection (ICCC) program to Shreveport. This tuition-free, comprehensive 40-hour “mini-MBA” program provides advanced education, practical insights, networking, and personalized coaching to help entrepreneurs from underserved communities. It is specifically designed to empower people, foster economic development and improve quality of life. . Delivered by leading university professors, local experts, and financial institutions, the ICCC program aims to foster sustainable growth and facilitate connections to critical funding sources.
“The ICCC program is a transformative force for small businesses in underserved regions. By combining top-notch education with practical tools and connections to capital, we support entrepreneurs We drive sustainable economic development and job creation at the local level. Our efforts are ever-changing, continually adapting and responding to the evolving needs of business owners. It’s about ensuring we have the resources to succeed in the marketplace,” said ICIC CEO Steve Grossman.
Ochsner LSU Health is a major sponsor and is supporting the implementation of this program in Shreveport. This is in line with our goal of promoting healthier lives and stronger communities. The opportunities for economic security afforded by educational opportunities like ICCC enable access to other social determinants of health, such as food and housing security and quality health care. Ochsner LSU Health is a valued partner in our community, creating thousands of jobs in Northwest Louisiana and offering numerous training programs to continue to grow our healthcare workforce.
“Ochsner LSU Health System is proud to be a leader in the health care industry,” said Corwin Harper, CEO of Ochsner LSU Health System. “At Ochsner LSU Health, we are focused on improving the lives of people in the communities we serve. We do this through involvement in programs outside the walls that provide people with the tools they need to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. It makes a huge contribution, leading to a stronger workforce, a thriving local business economy, and healthier communities.”
The 2024 cohort marks the first time ICCC has been offered to small and medium-sized businesses in the region. Since 2005, this national program has helped more than 6,585 companies raise $2.5 billion in funding, achieve 153% revenue growth, and create more than 28,000 jobs in the region. In 2023, the program served more than 800 businesses, 88% of which were BIPOC-owned and 64% women-owned.
The ICCC program focuses on addressing specific challenges that small business owners have identified as significant obstacles to growth. Key areas such as access to capital, marketing and customer acquisition, talent recruitment and retention, technology implementation and integration (including digital marketing and artificial intelligence), and strategic business planning are integral parts of the curriculum. ICIC is committed to providing the most relevant and impactful resources to help entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles.
“This program far exceeded my expectations and I am so excited to delve into the expert material to get noticed. The ICCC staff is extremely competent, honest, caring and serious. “I am so grateful for this opportunity and to meet others who share my growth/expansion journey.” LLC states. Millet Sayleg Orman, founder and 2023 ICCC participant.
Small business owners in Shreveport and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply to this cohort by Friday, November 8th. Entrepreneurs accepted into the ICCC program will participate in 40 hours of high-impact in-person and virtual learning divided into four components designed to maximize impact. We consider each participant’s experience and accommodate busy schedules. The cohort will begin with an in-person opening seminar on Monday, November 18th in Riverview Hall.
To apply or nominate your business, please visit the ICIC website. If you would like more information or would like to speak to an ICCC subject matter expert, please contact Indhira Taveras at itaveras@icic.org or 617-238-3030.
About ICIC
The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a recognized institution for accelerating the growth of small businesses in under-resourced communities. Founded in 1994 as a research and strategy organization by renowned Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, ICIC is now a well-served organization through innovative research and programs that create jobs, income, and wealth for local residents. We promote inclusive economic prosperity for underserved communities.
Inner City Capital Connection (ICCC) is a tuition-free executive leadership program designed by ICIC to help business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment. Training program. ICCC is uniquely designed to provide three key ingredients for sustainable growth: capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and connections to capital and capital providers.
