By Nestor Mato
MIAMI /3BL/ - Small-business owners in South Florida have an incredible opportunity to grow their companies by applying for a tuition-free business development program Regions Bank is bringing to Miami for the first time in the program's history.
Qualified businesses that apply and are accepted into the program do not have to be Regions Bank customers. The main qualifier is they need to be growth-oriented companies looking to build long-term success with a workable business plan. The program is specifically designed for entrepreneurs with a presence in or near urban or economically underserved areas.
This program gives more entrepreneurs the resources and tools to be successful and connects local small businesses with national experts on company growth.
Chris Cruzpino, Miami-Dade market executive for Regions Bank
The program is called Inner City Capital Connections, or ICCC. ICCC provides top-tier business training from nationally recognized experts, along with customized business coaching, marketing assistance, follow-up digital training, and more. ICCC is part of the nonprofit Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, which was founded by Harvard Business School Professor Dr. Michael Porter to strengthen communities through education and private-sector investment.
"This program gives more entrepreneurs the resources and tools to be successful and connects local small businesses with national experts on company growth," said Chris Cruzpino, Miami-Dade market executive for Regions Bank. "That's why Regions is bringing ICCC to Miami as part of our commitment to create more inclusive prosperity. When these businesses flourish, so does our community."
A "mini-MBA in a day," as organizers call it, ICCC makes executive-level business education available to local entrepreneurs who often would not have the time or resources to receive such training in a traditional education setting. Instructors at ICCC events throughout the program's history have included professors from institutions ranging from Harvard University to Dartmouth, New York University, and more. Training is customized to meet the needs of businesses that are accepted into the program, and it is delivered in a manner that minimizes the time investment business owners need to make - while maximizing results:Since ICCC's inception in 2005, more than 5,800 businesses have participated in the program in cities across the country.Those businesses have since raised over $2.4 billion in capital.Further, they've created over 26,000 jobs, according to ICCC.
"ICCC has a proven record of empowering and uplifting diverse entrepreneurs. The teachings help build a more sustainable small-business ecosystem and support further prosperity for more people and communities in South Florida," said ICCC Director Diego Portillo Mazal. "Regions Bank is one of our most valuable community partners. Together, we hope to make this bigger than a one-day event; it is about building connections and even mentorships that often lead to long-term coaching and support."
Financial support from Regions Bank and co-sponsors is what makes ICCC tuition free for qualified companies that are accepted into the training opportunity.
Business owners can learn more about ICCC and the program's qualifications at this link. Those who would like to participate can access the online application for the Miami program here. ICCC will review applications and connect with qualified companies to discuss next steps.
ICCC will culminate locally with an intense, all-day business education and coaching session scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8. This is not just an average seminar. As this video from a Regions-sponsored ICCC program in Indianapolis shows, ICCC is an action-packed program filled with aha moments and key takeaways for entrepreneurs.
The application deadline is Sept. 13, though space is limited, and available slots could be filled before then.
"ICCC is a can't-miss event for business owners who are looking for help on how to see their company grow," said Cruzpino. "We encourage interested entrepreneurs to apply early before space runs out."
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $155 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 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 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.
.
REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION 
