ICA’s model works because of our strong vision for change in the Bay Area economy. We believe that economic growth should benefit all.

While our mission remains steadfast, how we do the work has evolved to be more focused and impactful than ever. This evolution of our model is based on nearly twenty years of experience, and a year of reflection, dialogue, and learning in partnership with our community.

My father instilled in me a strong appreciation for “common sense”. For me, there are two meanings to this term. The first is an understanding of how to make things work. On a farm, when something broke, you designed and built the solution with the tools on-hand. And the longer the farm had been operating, the more likely it had the tools and resources necessary to create the solution. When it comes to small businesses, the “machines” of job creation, there are countless tools and resources on hand. It is essential to understand what those resources are, and how they can be used to maintain powerful, effective machines that further social causes and help those who need their services.

To me, “common sense” also means something else: the cooperative understanding that people gain by sharing the same community. Whether that is geographical or a community of shared beliefs, people will work together to better what is important to them.

The principles of Influence and Common Sense are the foundation of our work at ICA. I am not so naïve as to think that this farmer's son could create world-changing solutions alone. I’ve diligently worked to build a best-in-class team that has innovated the sector around us and allowed ICA to learn and refine our approach to remain relevant. We have brought together a network of diverse industry experts to ensure that the solutions at ICA are well designed and built strong. To that end, the staff, Board and advisors at ICA are excellent in their respective skills and responsibilities and also carry a deep passion for our work.

We have just one moment in time to bring our vision to fruition with the right partners. So today, we are developing strategic partnerships with businesses, institutions and individuals who are hyper-focused on building powerful, long-lasting machines – Good Businesses – that will have the greatest impact – Good Jobs – on populations that have historically been underrepresented in economic development opportunities. By working together to empower entrepreneurs to utilize their influence and common sense, I believe we can ensure that the economic development around us benefits all, now and in the future.