ST. LOUIS – August 3, 2026 – Regions Bank and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis on Monday announced a community partnership to bring the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) small-business training program back to St. Louis.
After completing the ICCC program, local alumni have raised more than $35 million in capital and created nearly 300 jobs.
Returning to the Gateway City for the fourth time this fall, the nationally recognized ICCC program provides small-business owners in under-resourced communities with access to educational workshops, mentoring and a peer network – all at no cost – to help them scale their companies. Regions sponsored previous ICCC St. Louis in-person workshops in 2016 and 2019 and a virtual session in 2022.
The 2026 half-day, in-person workshop will take place Sept. 15, followed by five months of live virtual and self-paced digital programming.
What is ICCC?
Conducted by the nonprofit Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), ICCC is a tuition-free, 40-hour “mini-MBA” program designed for growth-stage entrepreneurs. Participants gain valuable training on a variety of topics, including:
- Business strategy
- Marketing
- Talent retention
- Access to capital
ICCC also provides personalized coaching and a powerful peer network – again, all at no cost – thanks to financial support from program sponsors.
“Successful businesses are built on far more than products and profits,” said Scott Hartwig, Greater St. Louis Market President and Commercial Banking Leader. “Through Inner City Capital Connections, entrepreneurs gain access to new ideas, valuable connections and experienced mentors who understand the unique challenges they face. We’re proud to support the program’s return and help more small-business owners invest in themselves, strengthen their companies and create lasting economic impact across our region.”
Successful businesses are built on far more than products and profits.
Scott Hartwig, Greater St. Louis Market President and Commercial Banking Leader
ICCC’s Impact in Greater St. Louis
Thanks to ICCC’s training and resources, the more than 200 small-business owners in Greater St. Louis who’ve completed the program have collectively:
- Raised more than $35 million in capital
- Achieved an average 40 percent growth in revenue
- Created nearly 300 jobs
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis views entrepreneurship as a powerful pathway to economic mobility and community development, making ICCC a natural fit for its mission.
“At the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, we know small businesses are the backbone of thriving communities,” said Michael P. McMillan, the nonprofit’s President and CEO. “When entrepreneurs have access to the right tools, training, capital and mentorship, they create jobs, build generational wealth and strengthen our local economy. Our community partnership with Regions Bank and the Inner City Capital Connections program reflects our shared commitment to ensuring talented business owners – regardless of their background or resources – have the opportunity to grow, succeed and make a lasting impact throughout the St. Louis region.”
When entrepreneurs have access to the right tools, training, capital and mentorship, they create jobs, build generational wealth and strengthen our local economy.
Application Criteria and How to Apply
Registration for the half-day, in-person Sept. 15 ICCC St. Louis workshop is now open. Seating is limited, with applications being accepted until Aug. 28 or until the course is full.
ICCC’s National Impact
Nationally, ICCC has served over 7,700 small businesses since its founding by Harvard Business School Professor Dr. Michael Porter in 2005, with alumni realizing the following outcomes:
- Achieving an average of nearly 175 percent revenue growth
- Securing $2.6 billion in capital
- Creating more than 29,000 jobs
“Every entrepreneur in this program is a potential changemaker,” said Steve Grossman, CEO of ICIC. “For more than 20 years, ICCC has shown what’s possible when founders in under-resourced communities get real access to capital and connections – and we couldn’t be prouder to bring that opportunity back to the changemakers building businesses across St. Louis, alongside Regions Bank and the Urban League.”
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 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 more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
About the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is the largest Urban League affiliate in the nation, empowering more than 200,000 people annually through a network of more than 60 programs and services. For more than 100 years, the Urban League has been dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building thriving communities through workforce development, education, entrepreneurship, housing, public safety, youth development, health and wellness, and economic opportunity. The organization serves residents throughout the St. Louis metropolitan region with a mission of empowering communities and changing lives. For more information, visit www.ulstl.com