Training program helps businesses move beyond COVID-19

HONOLULU — The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, a national not-for-profit organization, is seeking small businesses to participate in the third Inner City Capital Connections program cohort in Hawaii. Funded by Kaiser Permanente, the tuition-free executive leadership program is designed to help businesses and nonprofit organizations survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and build capacity for sustainable growth, ultimately contributing to a healthy local economy.

The curriculum has been updated to prioritize business recovery strategies and capital relief solutions, and to offer relevant one-on-one business and capital coaching to help business owners lead, survive, and thrive as they recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

Since 2019, 150 Hawaii-based businesses have averaged 19% growth in revenue and raised $3.62 million in capital through ICCC’s “mini-MBA” program. The Hawaii-based entrepreneurs selected for the third cohort will participate in virtual learning opportunities focused on building capacity, accessing capital, creating connections, and securing contracts. The program culminates in a national conference with cohorts from cities across the U.S.

“When small businesses thrive, our communities thrive. By giving our small-business owners opportunities to succeed, the entire community reaps the benefits of job growth, economic stability, improved access to services, and healthier residents,” said Greg Christian, Hawaii Market president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. “Now more than ever, we are pleased to support the hardworking entrepreneurs who are committed to improving the health of their own organizations and contributing to the state’s economic recovery.”

To apply for the third cohort, submit the 2021 ICCC Application Form. Deadline for applications is July 23, 2021, with opening seminars scheduled for mid-August. To learn more about the program, visit the 2021 ICCC Hawaii Program Summary.

Since 2005, ICCC has helped over 3,836 businesses access $2.3 billion in capital and create 22,707 jobs in their communities, and in an effort to support them, we’ve created the Small Business Resource Center which offers a valuable group of national and local resources to support businesses in crisis.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve approximately 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.