2025 ICIC Impact Report

The Year of Innovation

In 2025, ICIC and entrepreneurs turned cutting-edge ideas into impact, breaking barriers and building stronger communities across the country.

Impact snapshot: ICIC 2025

Key Outcomes

3,232

Businesses equipped for innovation and growth

1,317

Communities strengthened

ICIC’s AI Research and Programming Shows

89%

AI use is widespread among small businesses. 89% of business owners indicated that someone at their business currently uses AI tools.

49%

On average, participants in our AI workshops bridged almost half the gap from their starting AI confidence level to the highest confidence level.

Innovation is how progress happens for small businesses—if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind. In 2025, we focused on turning innovation into action—pairing research with executive education, coaching, and practical tools to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, create jobs, and drive economic opportunity in their communities.

Steve Grossman, CEO

ICIC

Advancing What’s Next:
2025 Innovation Milestones

In 2025, ICIC advanced innovation across research, programs, partnerships, and practice to strengthen small businesses nationwide.
Learn more about Innovation at ICIC »

Manufacturing Accelerator Program launched to support small manufacturers at a pivotal growth stage

More than 15 years of partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses as the national outreach and selection partner

20 years of ICCC program impact, with 160+ cohorts and 7,700 businesses equipped to scale

AI training embedded across all ICIC-designed and delivered executive education programs

Spotlight on Innovators

Ideas that move the world. These trailblazing alumni transform creativity into action, driving growth and strengthening communities with solutions that redefine what’s possible.