About Growing Up CEO

Growing Up CEO celebrates the remarkable achievements of young men and women leading inner city companies across the country and around the world. Each year, outstanding CEOs, all under the age of 21, are chosen as winners of this unique award. As Growing Up CEOs, these young leaders receive an invitation to attend the Inner City 100 Summit and join a community where they can network, share best practices, and develop new ideas about entrepreneurship. 

ICIC believes that exposing the young entrepreneurs to successful businesses will set the stage for them to emerge as the next generation of leaders. The goal of the program is to increase the Growing Up CEOs’ chances for success in business and in life by connecting them to Inner City 100 CEOs, business and civic leaders, business development resources, and each other. 

Program Benefits

Growing Up CEO winners are given the opportunity to advance their business excellence by attending the annual Inner City 100 Summit. During their two days in Boston, the Growing Up CEO winners have the opportunity to develop mentor relationships with current and previous Inner City 100 CEOs, who lead the fastest growing inner city companies in the United States. They also access world class business education and strategic advice during the CEO Forum at Harvard Business School, where they attend sessions taught by Harvard Professors including world renowned strategist Michael E. Porter.