Interise

07/31/2025

As FIFA 2026 approaches, small businesses in the 11 U.S. host cities are preparing for the global spotlight—and the $1B+ in local economic impact it will bring.

In Philadelphia, we’re proud to partner with Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to ensure our 83 StreetWise MBA alumni are ready to compete and thrive.

💡 Read our latest blog on how we're preparing small businesses to seize the moment—locally and nationally: https://interise.org/news-and-notes/powering-inclusive-growth-in-philadelphia/

07/29/2025

"Winning the Pitch competition allowed us to pursue our dream of having a commercial kitchen at our urban farm. It gave me the motivation and the stamina to get our permit to build the kitchen. Winning the prize money also gave us the confidence to apply for three other grants.” — Lisa Evans, We Grow Microgreens, LLC, 2024 Winner

Want to be in the spotlight this year? Apply by August 8 for Interise's 4th Annual Pitch for Strategic Growth Competition, sponsored by Citizens.

07/24/2025

⏰ Just two weeks left!

Pitch your boldest strategic move to a panel of experts — and walk away with $10,000 for your next phase of growth.

📍 MA-based Interise alumni and StreetWise MBA participants only
🎤 Live pitch event: October 14 in Boston
📝 Apply by August 8: https://connect.interise.org/page/pitch

07/01/2025

🔥 It’s time! Applications are now open for Interise’s 4th Annual Pitch for Strategic Growth Competition, sponsored by Citizens.

If you're a Massachusetts-based alum or current participant in Interise’s program, this is your moment to shine. your next big strategic move — and compete for $10,000 to make it happen!

📅 Apply by August 8
🎤 Pitch live in Boston on October 14
🏆 Walk away with funding and visibility for your business
👉 Get the full details and apply now: https://connect.interise.org/page/pitch

06/26/2025

Interise was proud to take the stage at the 2025 United States Conference of Mayors this week and spotlight the vital role of established small businesses in building inclusive local economies.

Our Director of Research, Evaluation & Impact, Elizabeth Reynoso, shared powerful data and stories from our StreetWise MBA alumni:
- $262M+ in combined annual revenue (from just 250 businesses)
- 14 years in business on average
- 100% provide full-time jobs, averaging 4 new hires per expanding business
- $52K average salary for new employees

But she also raised urgent concerns that threaten the stability and growth of these established small businesses:
- Contract delays and federal funding freezes
- Strategic shifts away from DEIB language in procurement
- Increased pursuit of private sector and corporate contracts to survive

We were inspired to hear from leaders like Mayor Mattie Parker ( , TX) on what they are doing in their cities and highlighted practical solutions already in motion. One example, shared by Satya Rhodes-Conway ( , WI), is the Commercial Ownership Assistance Program—a city initiative that uses forgivable loans to help small businesses secure commercial property and build long-term wealth.

Our message to mayors: let’s work together to turn insights into action and better support second-stage small businesses—the backbone of resilient communities.

06/24/2025

📣 Almost time to get your pitches ready…

The 4th Annual Pitch for is just around the corner. $10,000 is on the line for Massachusetts small business owners with big ideas and bold goals. Applications open July 1.

06/20/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Gabriella Paez, winner of the inaugural Accelerate Pitch Competition at this year's hosted by our partner the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce!

Gabriella is a recent graduate of GPHCC's StreetWise MBA program, powered by Interise, and a true example of entrepreneurial resilience. She launched her hardscaping and landscaping business after a career in the nonprofit space—and remained fully committed to the program, even logging in for class the same day she gave birth. That kind of drive and dedication is what sets Interise graduates apart!

Our Director of Research, Evaluation & Impact Elizabeth Reynoso was proud to attend the Éxito Conference on behalf of Interise and connect with alumni, community members, and funders like Verizon, TD, and JPMorganChase. It was a powerful day of connection, collaboration, and celebration of small business growth in the region.

👏 Huge thanks to GPHCC for creating such a vibrant space for alumni to shine. We're honored to continue supporting this partnership and the incredible entrepreneurs it uplifts.

06/12/2025

We’re proud to team up with MassDevelopment to empower minority- and women-owned small businesses (MWBEs) across Massachusetts through Interise’s high-impact business education programs!

Thanks to their generous support, Interise will continue delivering our StreetWise MBA program — equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to scale sustainably and compete for procurement opportunities.

Together, we’re building stronger, more inclusive local economies!

06/05/2025

As we close out our AAC member spotlights, meet the final group of change-makers helping us build stronger alumni connections!

📲 An executive coach and tech entrepreneur, Kenya Dunn champions equity in leadership through her work with LifeTagger. She’s deeply committed to lifting others as she climbs—and bringing more Black women to the table.

📈 Through his work at Rende Progress Capital, Cuong Quy ("CQ") Huynh, JD, MPP is rewriting the narrative around who gets access to capital. A proud Interise alum, he brings deep knowledge of impact finance and racial equity in lending.

🌴 With global perspective and local heart, Dale Jackson, AINS, CAMS helps entrepreneurs in Bermuda build lasting businesses. A longtime champion of inclusive economic development, Dale believes, “Every small business has the power to transform a community.”

🎯 As a coach, connector, and instructor of Interise’s StreetWise MBA, Marty Shea works with BIPOC and women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with confidence—and on their own terms.

From to to , these leaders bring deep experience in coaching, capital access, entrepreneurship, and community building. They’re helping shape Interise’s next chapter — and we’re lucky to have them.

Join us in celebrating this council and all it stands for: community, inclusion, and growth 👏

Learn about the full council: https://connect.interise.org/page/aac

05/29/2025

The Interise AAC keeps growing stronger. Meet three more members making their mark:

🏠 Meichelle Ferguson of Hilton Realty in is a problem-solver who believes in small businesses and is ready to guide program improvements.

🌐 Todd Lang brings years of experience with Interise and now as Director of Strategic Growth with the International Economic Development Council — adding national insight to our local work.

💼 Yusef Muhammad is a longtime Interise instructor and small biz champion in , TX. His passion? Helping businesses move from good to great.

Together, they’ll shape alumni programming that drives growth and opportunity.

Learn more about this initiative: https://connect.interise.org/page/aac

05/27/2025

A new Interise survey reveals how entrepreneurs are navigating shifting federal procurement policies, what’s at stake for jobs and growth, and why some are pivoting away from federal contracts.

📰 Read the latest on what we heard—and what comes next: https://interise.org/news-and-notes/small-businesses-pivot-and-persevere-amid-policy-shifts/

Small business owners across the country are no strangers to change. But when federal policy shifts, especially those impacting government procurement, the ripple effects can shake the very foundation of their business plans—and the communities they serve.

05/22/2025

Say hello to four more leaders on the Interise Alumni Advisory Council! 👋

📊 Anita Pierce, founder of Eleven3seven5 in Brooklyn, helps entrepreneurs build wealth with intention — especially from a minority and women-owned lens.

🏛️ Naomi Walton brings a powerful mix of policy, partnership, and boots-on-the-ground advocacy to support small businesses across South Carolina. At the Columbia Chamber, she ensures that historically excluded businesses are seen, heard, and funded.

🎥 Khaleel Loyd scaled Loyd Visuals in Charlotte, NC to $1M+ and reinvested $250K into minority-owned businesses. He’s building inclusive ecosystems through media and mentorship.

🏗️ Fahteema Parrish leads Parrish & Sons Construction in Kansas City, using Interise insights to scale, create jobs, and mentor others.

These leaders are building better economies — together.

Find out more about the AAC: https://connect.interise.org/page/aac