Empowering small business for big change
Let's build your business together!
Apply to our SOVA Entrepreneur WorkshopCIC’s mission is to strengthen our community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking.
CIC was founded in 2011 and held its first workshop in May 2012. Since then, for every $1 spent by CIC, we have helped entrepreneurs generate $7.17 in wages from job creation in our community.
173Businesses Opened
370FTE Jobs Created
$40.88Million Generated Wages
Our Pillars
Education
Our signature program, a 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop, enables entrepreneurs to determine whether their business is viable, develop an initial plan for launch or growing, and learn the fundamentals of how to act out that plan.
Networking
We create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build business networks and market their products and services through community events and press coverage.
Mentoring
We pair entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals from the community for ongoing advisory support.
Financing
We are filling the lending gap by offering micro-loans of up to $50,000 to qualified entrepreneurs.
Featured Entrepreneurs
Through the entrepreneurial workshop, we gained invaluable insights and strategies that are shaping our path forward, empowering us to better serve our community and grow Cloverleaf Nook with purpose and passion.
Cloverleaf Nook
Learn MoreI truly loved my experience at CIC! The Entrepreneur Workshop provided me with invaluable insights and tools to build a sustainable and successful business.
Mountain Lake Childcare
Learn MoreCIC's entrepreneurship course changed my life and helped me start my business the right way! I recommend it to everyone looking to start a business.