Nomination and Application Process

Thank you for taking the time to investigate the Growing Up CEO program! Now in its fifth year, Growing Up CEO is the only program in the world to recognize young entrepreneurs in the inner city and support their business growth.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualify for the Growing Up CEO program, a CEO must:

• Be 21 or under as of April 2009
• Have owned and operated a business for at least a year
• Live in an inner city area (as defined by census track)

Why Apply?

If chosen for the program, the CEO and a chaperone will be invited to attend an all expenses paid trip to the annual Inner City 100 Summit in Boston, MA. The Inner City 100 is a collective of the fastest growing inner city businesses from across the country. The two day Summit celebrates the accomplishments of these businesses and includes educational and networking components.  

The program does not end with the Inner City 100 Summit! After the winners are chosen, press releases are sent to hometown papers to advertise the achievements of the CEO and his or her business. Throughout the year, ICIC facilitates continuing opportunities for contact with mentors and other business leaders. With the program now in its fifth year, ICIC is building an impressive alumni network that the CEO will be able to join, helping to maintain valuable contacts and stay involved in the learning process.

Apply Now!

Why Nominate?

Nominating partners will be recognized in Growing Up CEO press releases and marketing materials. More importantly, the program offers young CEOs a once in a lifetime opportunity to network with hundreds of other inner city entrepreneurs, meet peers from around the world, connect with mentors, and acquire practical knowledge and skills to improve their business.

Nominate Now!

Nomination and Application Timeline

August 1 - December 31	Nominations accepted.
August 1 - January 31	Applications accepted.
February	Winners notified.
March	Winners make travel plans (paid for by ICIC). Winners also identify chaperone, submit permission slip, complete Growing Up CEO survey, and participate in phone interviews.
April	Winners receive pre-Summit reading and preparation materials for the sessions at Harvard Business School and information regarding their trade show booths and other marketing opportunities.
May	Winners attend Inner City 100 Summit (exact date TBD).