ICIC's 2026 Annual Conference: Changemakers Take Action
Small business growth starts here: ICIC’s Annual Conference offers workshops, funding tools, and connections that actually matter.
ICIC Annual Conference: Changemakers Take Action
Leveraging Innovation for Growth
About This Event
Get ready for the most dynamic event of the year. ICIC’s Annual Conference, Changemakers Take Action: Leveraging Innovation for Growth, brings together bold entrepreneurs, influential sponsors, and visionary leaders who are shaping the future of small business.
Whether you are an ICIC program alum, a partner driving impact, or a business owner discovering ICIC for the first time, this is your moment to connect, learn, and grow.
If you are ready to lead change instead of reacting to it, this is your opportunity to take action:
- Build powerful relationships with peers and industry leaders
- Access strategies and resources to grow and scale your business
- Explore cutting-edge ideas that drive transformation and create opportunity
Conference Highlights
- Expert Keynote Speakers: Hear from business experts driving new strategies and shaping the future of small business growth.
- Opening Reception at Rose & Rye — The conference kicks off with an evening reception, featuring rooftop skyline views and an opportunity for entrepreneurs, partners, and changemakers to connect.
- Economic Forecast for Small Businesses — Lead economists from Bain Capital, Regions Bank, and more will provide insights to help businesses prepare for changing economic conditions and tools to help their businesses stay resilient.
- AI and Emerging Technology Sessions — Dobbin Bookman, Director of AI Initiatives at ICIC, will lead sessions highlighting practical ways entrepreneurs can apply new tools and technologies to strengthen marketing, streamline operations, and improve decision-making.
- Shark Tank-style Pitch Competition — Entrepreneurs from ICIC’s Alumni Network will pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges, showcasing the next generation of changemakers building growth in under-resourced communities.
- Business Growth Marketplace — A space where ICIC alumni businesses, funders, and ecosystem partners can connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
- IC100 Awards Presentation — The conference will also celebrate the latest cohort of companies from ICIC’s Inner City 100 (IC100) list, recognizing some of the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities across the United States.
Small business growth starts here: ICIC’s Annual Conference offers workshops, funding tools, and connections that actually matter.
ICIC Annual Conference: Changemakers Take Action
Leveraging Innovation for Growth
About This Event
Get ready for the most dynamic event of the year. ICIC’s Annual Conference, Changemakers Take Action: Leveraging Innovation for Growth, brings together bold entrepreneurs, influential sponsors, and visionary leaders who are shaping the future of small business.
Whether you are an ICIC program alum, a partner driving impact, or a business owner discovering ICIC for the first time, this is your moment to connect, learn, and grow.
If you are ready to lead change instead of reacting to it, this is your opportunity to take action:
- Build powerful relationships with peers and industry leaders
- Access strategies and resources to grow and scale your business
- Explore cutting-edge ideas that drive transformation and create opportunity
Conference Highlights
- Expert Keynote Speakers: Hear from business experts driving new strategies and shaping the future of small business growth.
- Opening Reception at Rose & Rye — The conference kicks off with an evening reception, featuring rooftop skyline views and an opportunity for entrepreneurs, partners, and changemakers to connect.
- Economic Forecast for Small Businesses — Lead economists from Bain Capital, Regions Bank, and more will provide insights to help businesses prepare for changing economic conditions and tools to help their businesses stay resilient.
- AI and Emerging Technology Sessions — Dobbin Bookman, Director of AI Initiatives at ICIC, will lead sessions highlighting practical ways entrepreneurs can apply new tools and technologies to strengthen marketing, streamline operations, and improve decision-making.
- Shark Tank-style Pitch Competition — Entrepreneurs from ICIC’s Alumni Network will pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges, showcasing the next generation of changemakers building growth in under-resourced communities.
- Business Growth Marketplace — A space where ICIC alumni businesses, funders, and ecosystem partners can connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
- IC100 Awards Presentation — The conference will also celebrate the latest cohort of companies from ICIC’s Inner City 100 (IC100) list, recognizing some of the fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities across the United States.
Speakers
Halim Flowers
Multidisciplinary Artist, Author, and Entrepreneur
Cliff Oxford
Entrepreneur; Author; and Founder, CliffCo
Tiran Jackson
International Speaker, Author, and Resilience Strategist
Steve Grossman
Chief Executive Officer, ICIC
Dobbin Bookman
Director, AI Initiatives, ICIC; Owner/Operator, Durham Checkers Restaurant & Property Group
Bo Menkiti
Founder and CEO, Menkiti Group
Good to know
Highlights
- 12 hours 30 minutes
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30305
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
-
Welcome Reception at Rosé & Rye
The conference begins at Rosé & Rye, a modern rooftop bar atop Hotel Colee, featuring panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, signature beverages, and delicious curated bites. Open to all conference attendees and included with registration, the evening sets an energetic, welcoming tone for the conference and offers ample opportunity to network with fellow attendees. Rosé & Rye is walking distance from the Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead