Program Update
ICIC’s Alumni Network
ICIC’s Alumni Network (ICAN) provides 9,000-plus ICIC program alumni across the U.S. and Canada with ongoing learning and professional development opportunities, visibility and recognition, and a network through which they can explore contracting, and collaboration opportunities.
Thanks to the generous support of our principal ICAN sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, ICAN has launched chapters, led by alumni Steering Committees, in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington, D.C. Throughout the year, ICAN hosted a number of chapter networking events designed to facilitate strategic connections between local alumni, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders. ICAN also introduced new initiatives this year:
- ICAN Inspire Webinar Series: TED-talk-style webinars featuring alumni speakers who share their stories and expertise around topics of interest to the ICAN network.
- Partner Referral System: Connects alumni with local and national resources in ICIC’s robust network of trusted ecosystem partners through personalized referrals.
- “Why I Give” Alumni Fund Campaign: Empowers program alumni to support the continued expansion of ICIC’s impact.
ICAN’s Why
ICAN was born from the inspiring feedback of program participants who recognize the profound impact of connecting with their peers. The network is a key differentiator of ICIC’s programs, offering education, support, and lasting connections with fellow alumni that continue long after programs end.
Impact Snapshot: Inner City Alumni Network
7
Local chapters launched since 2022
92
Steering committee members
8
In-person and virtual events held
440
Total number of individuals who attended an event
222
Total number of ICIC alumni who attended events
10
Average number of people ICIC alumni networked with at each event
7
Average number
of new connections made by ICIC alumni at each event
98%
Attendees likely to attend another ICIC event
$81K
Amount donated to ICIC by ICAN members
“My ‘why’ is generational health. What drives me is the current state of health for women, especially women of color, and the reality of better health with lifestyle changes. Bridging health access gaps with culturally relevant programs is a gift beyond words. Curating an approach to combat stress while watching those lifestyle changes improve health is gratifying.
I heard about ICIC through the Kiva network. My business was barely six months old before the pandemic, and access to resources was at the top of my list. At a time of business uncertainty, ICIC connected me with education, virtual live business workshops, and fellow Baltimore entrepreneurs I’m still in contact with four years later. Today, not every entrepreneur has locked arms with an ecosystem in Baltimore. As an ICAN Steering Committee member, it feels good to play a small part by bringing awareness to fellow business owners about the free access to resources and the amazing Alumni Network provided by ICIC.”
Nik Sweeney, Founder & CEO
Amani Nicol Wellness
ICAN Baltimore Steering Committee
10,000 Small Businesses Baltimore (2022)
ICCC Baltimore 2020 & 2021