Even innovators can use some guidance.
Consider Michael Hooks Jr. He’s a successful small-business owner. His company, Allworld Project Management, provides value-added support to other companies in the areas of construction engineering and technology.
But after four years of building business growth, Hooks knew some insights from others could help him do even more.
Enter the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), a national nonprofit helping small businesses in under-resourced communities grow and thrive.
Through ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, entrepreneurs gain access to valuable training, personalized coaching and a powerful peer network.
The business accelerator’s model empowers entrepreneurs to work on their business while working in their business. And it’s all provided at no cost thanks to support from community partners like Regions Bank.
Hooks participated in an ICCC conference supported by Regions in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2014.
Since then – even stronger growth.
“The relationship with ICCC has been an important part of my development as an entrepreneur and operator,” said Hooks, who serves as AllWorld’s CEO as well as its owner. “Over the years, ICCC has provided consistent programming, perspective and community that’s helped shape how I think about growth and leadership.”
And because he’s stayed involved, his learning has lasted more than just a day. Business owners can stay connected long-term, constantly gaining insights and advice. Still at no cost.
Hooks’ success was honored just ahead of Small Business Month 2026 when he was recognized as a Regions Bank Changemaker Award recipient. It occurred in Atlanta during ICIC’s Annual Conference.
What is the Regions Bank Changemaker Award?
The award recognizes ICCC alumni who demonstrate innovative growth, strong leadership and measurable community impact by effectively applying ICCC’s curriculum.
Joining Allworld in earning this distinction and a $10,000 grant? Wise Environmental Solutions based in Oxford, Alabama, and LH Global Resources, LLC headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Launching a business takes courage; staying true to a vision and persevering takes even more.
Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute
“Launching a business takes courage; staying true to a vision and persevering takes even more,” said Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute. “We congratulate our awardees for showing resilience as they provide vital products and services, create jobs and help transform their communities.”
We caught up with Hooks to learn more about his journey and the ways he believes small-business owners benefit from ICCC.
What Services Does Allworld Project Management Provide?
Our work is organized around four core service departments supporting complex capital programs from early planning through delivery:
- Construction Services providing cost and schedule control, procurement support and construction oversight helping projects move forward with accountability and reduced risk
- Water Resources focused on strengthening aging infrastructure and improving long-term performance of water, utilities, wastewater and stormwater programs
- Land Surveying providing the technical foundation for infrastructure and development projects to support informed decision-making
- Information Technology, which supports these three departments by integrating GIS dashboards and project management systems to bring real-time insights to complex programs
These departments ensure we deliver fully integrated, data-driven solutions to help our clients confidently execute while creating lasting economic and community impact.
You noted your ICCC Memphis workshop experience. What were the largest takeaways you gained?
ICCC reinforced the importance of building a company that can scale intentionally and responsibly. The program sharpened how I approach capital readiness, financial storytelling, systems and long‑term strategy – particularly for a professional services firm that must balance people, performance and purpose.
Equally valuable was the peer coaching. ICCC creates space for founders and senior leaders to step back from daily execution and focus on how people, processes and capital must align to support sustainable growth. That perspective directly influences how we develop leaders and plan for Allworld’s long-term growth.
How have you continued to engage with ICIC since 2014?
Our vice president of Construction Services participated in the 2025 ICCC cohort reflecting our belief that building a scalable company requires investing in leadership across the organization, not just at the founder level.
Allworld was also recognized by ICIC as a 2023 IC 100 Award recipient for being among the fastest-growing businesses operating in under-resourced communities nationwide.
This honor reflects our sustained growth, disciplined operations and commitment to delivering measurable impact.
What does receiving this latest recognition mean to you?
Being recognized as a Regions Changemaker Award winner is especially meaningful because my wife and I have a relationship with the bank spanning more than two decades.
That long‑standing relationship, combined with my journey through ICIC and 2023 IC100 recognition, makes this honor feel deeply personal. It reflects a shared belief that strong businesses – when supported with the right capital, discipline and partnerships – can be powerful drivers of inclusive economic growth.
This recognition affirms that how you grow matters just as much as how much you grow.
This recognition affirms that how you grow matters just as much as how much you grow. It also reinforces my commitment to building Allworld in a way that creates opportunity for our team, our partners and the communities we serve. This award is not a finish line – it’s motivation to continue leading with intention.
It Began in Memphis. It Continues in St. Louis Later this Year:
The 2014 workshop held in the Bluff City wasn’t just Michael Hooks Jr.’s first – it was also the first Regions sponsored. The bank has since supported cohorts in Houston, Miami, Nashville, Indianapolis and more. And this fall, Regions is supporting ICCC’s third trip to St. Louis.
“At ICIC, our focus is on helping business owners grow stronger companies while navigating the day-to-day demands of running them,” said Steve Grossman, the organization’s CEO. “Through ICCC, and with community partners like Regions, we’re giving entrepreneurs practical tools and support to strengthen their strategy, improve access to capital and build businesses that create lasting impact.”
Interested in discovering how your small business can reap the rewards of this no-cost program? Learn more and apply.