Inclusive Economy

OUR VISION: AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL.

Since 2004, Interise has connected knowledge, know-how, and networks across established small businesses. We do this through our purposeful research; bold programs for established small businesses; and national partnerships that create impact at local, regional, and state-wide levels.

Bold.

For us, it’s more than work – it’s a mission.
We embrace bold, creative ideas in our thinking, our work, and our outcomes.  We’re not afraid – we know boldness is required to solve systemic issues.  Innovation isn’t the easiest path, but our tenacity and confidence in our goals allow us to break through and strive for change that is generational in its impact.

Purposeful.

Our field and our world are constantly changing – and we are too.
With a focus on our core mission, we approach new questions with curiosity, nimbleness, and an eagerness to learn.  We are strategic in the connections we make within our work, our network, and our field.

Inclusive.

We are in this together.
Interise’s work directly impacts our cities, our neighborhoods, and all people.  In order to do our best work, it is our responsibility to actively and intentionally collaborate and reach out across place, race, creed, or sector.  We recognize that diversity – in all forms -makes us smarter, stronger, and more successful.

Our work has been recognized by leading organizations and thought leaders in small business and economic development.  And, our consistent impact has been great.  But there’s still work to be done.  Join us as we embark on the next fifteen years of work to create an inclusive economy in which all people can shape the economy and its direction and all people can benefit from economic growth and prosperity – across race, place and ethnicity.

HISTORY OF INTERISE

  • Inner City Entrepreneurs (ICE) is launched in partnership with Boston University to provide educational and networking resources to minority and inner city business owners.
  • ICE rebrands as Interise and launches StreetWise ‘MBA’
  • Interise is named an Innovation Award Winner by the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE).
  • Interise becomes the national training provider for the Small Business Association’s Emerging 200 initiative, bringing the StreetWise ‘MBA’ to ten cities across the country.
  • SBA Emerging Leaders grows from 15 to 22 cities nationwide, including 12 communities with a focus on native American business owners.
  • Interise launches its into national expansion with its first license partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services (NYCSBS).
  • SBA Emerging Leaders grows from 15 to 22 cities nationwide, including 12 communities with a focus on native American business owners.
  • Interise launches its into national expansion with its first license partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services (NYCSBS).
  • Interise adds its second license partner, the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence.
  • The SBA Emerging Leaders initiative grows to 27 cities.
  • NYCSBS expands license to include mayor’s office of media and Entertainment Program, the first industry-specific cohort.
  • The World Bank identifies interise as one of the 25 “must-see” programs in the world for the development of established entrepreneurs.
  • As part of a growing focus on anchor institution procurement as a resource for local economic development, Interise adds a new license partner in Cleveland, Ohio: University Circle inc.
  • The city of Portland, Oregon’s Procurement Services department becomes a license partner, offering the StreetWise ‘MBA’ as part of their Prime contractor development Program.
  • Bermuda College becomes the first international license partner.
  • Four corners Economic Development in Farmington, New Mexico becomes a license partner.
  • The SBA Emerging Leaders initiative expands to 50 cities nationwide.
  • The first Interise Summit for the national network of alumni takes place in Dallas, Texas.
  • Kauffman awards Interise an Inclusion Grant.
  • Prudential comes on as a major funder.
  • Surdna joins awards Interise their first grant.
  • Interise partners with the Boston Public market and commonwealth Kitchen for its second industry-specific cohort.
  • The Commonwealth of Virginia department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity becomes interise’s first state-wide license partner.
  • New license partners include the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, The Harlem Commonwealth Council, and NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council.
  • Surdna becomes a major funder.
  • Top 10 Drucker Award finalist
  • Kauffman supports Interise with Board-Level Grant.
  • Interise partners with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Interise, and the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) for groundbreaking report: Latino-Owned Businesses: Shining a Light on National Trends.
  • Interise partners with Charlotte, NC and the National Basketball Association to launch AMP UP, a training program to prepare minority-owned businesses for working as suppliers and vendors with the NBA.
  • Interise launches three new programs: Accelerate Latinx, Grow My People, and LEAP.
  • Interise 2020 Conference brings together the best minds to solve for an inclusive economy.
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