Application and eligibility information can be found at www.iccapitalconnections.org.

Category: News

Deadline Approaching for Atlanta-Area Businesses to Apply for Free Training, Coaching

“Mini-MBA on steroids” to connect Atlanta entrepreneurs with high-energy, results-driven education.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Aug. 15, 2018 – The deadline is drawing near for Atlanta-area business owners to apply to participate in a tuition-free, high-impact training program that Regions Bank and community partners are bringing to the city to help urban businesses grow and prosper.

The program is called Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC). Through ICCC, business owners in or near urban or economically underserved communities receive training from experienced professionals who are recognized nationally for their expertise in business development and strategy.

The program covers topics ranging from strategic management and competitive marketing to developing long-term, growth-oriented business plans and more. One-on-one coaching is provided so entrepreneurs can share their experiences and learn how to address their own unique challenges and opportunities.

The deadline for business owners to apply to participate is Friday, Aug. 31.

Those who are accepted into the program will be invited to participate in a high-impact business education conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta. ICCC offers free follow-up webinars and a national ICCC conference for eligible companies as well.

“ICCC is not your typical business-development program. This is an incredibly powerful, truly enlightening program that will help entrepreneurs across Atlanta reach the next level,” said Bill Linginfelter, Atlanta Market Executive for Regions Bank. “Dozens of local companies are getting ready to participate, so it’s important for all business owners who are interested to apply now while we still have space.”

Presenters scheduled to lead ICCC Atlanta include Dr. Steve Bookbinder, a nationally sought-after consultant who works with Fortune 500 companies on issues related to workforce development and leadership effectiveness. With degrees from both Yale and Harvard, Dr. Bookbinder uses his extensive education and practical experience to help business owners achieve lasting success.

Additionally, Tiffany White of the University of Illinois College of Business, Susan Perkins of the University of Illinois-Chicago and Dean Derrick Collins of the Chicago State University College of Business will lead in-depth discussions on turning business aspirations into successful, workable strategies.

ICCC is offered at no cost due to financial support provided by Regions and community partners.

“ICCC levels the playing field for businesses in urban or underserved areas and provides access to first-class training and expertise,” said Tiffany Kirk, Community Affairs Manager for Regions. “We are focused on reaching existing businesses that need a solution to help them grow and achieve their true potential. ICCC educators tailor their training to the needs of local companies and offer clear advice, guidance and education that business owners can put into practice immediately.”

ICCC is part of the nonprofit Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), which was founded by Harvard Business School Professor Dr. Michael Porter to strengthen communities through education and private-sector investment.

ICIC CEO Steve Grossman said since 2005 representatives of more than 1,700 businesses have participated in ICCC events across the country. Those businesses have since raised approximately $1.5 billion to grow their businesses – while creating nearly 16,000 jobs.

“Think of ICCC as a mini-MBA on steroids,” Grossman said. “Nowhere else can you find this level of tuition-free training, and nowhere else can you find this caliber of experts. ICCC and Regions are committed to creating more inclusive prosperity throughout our cities. This is a program that provides access – and opportunities – for hard-working entrepreneurs.”

ICCC will accept and review all applications received through Aug. 31. Companies selected by ICCC to participate in the program should be growth-oriented businesses that have their headquarters or more than 51 percent of their physical operations in or near urban or economically underserved areas. Companies may also participate if more than 40 percent of their employees reside in an economically underserved area.

Participants should be an independent for-profit or not-for-profit corporation, partnership or proprietorship. The program is not geared toward startups; rather, its focus is sparking growth within existing businesses. Additional information on eligibility – as well as applications – can be found on the ICCC website, www.iccapitalconnections.org.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $125 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,500 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.