MISSION
Interise is a national nonprofit that works to create an inclusive economy by supporting the growth of established small businesses that are located in low- and moderate-income communities or minority-owned. We achieve our mission through bold programs that close gaps in business knowledge, know-how and networks; purposeful research that turns insights into actions; and national partnerships that create impact at local, regional, and statewide levels. Our vision of an inclusive economy is one in which all people can benefit from economic growth and prosperity—across race, place, and ethnicity.
HISTORY
Since our founding in 2004, we’ve expanded our operations and impact in a number of ways—from launching our award-winning StreetWise MBA program in Boston to expanding the reach of our programs with partners across the nation to developing curricula on supply chain contracting (based on data gathered from alumni)—all while helping small business owners navigate economic uncertainties and readying them for greater success.
TIMELINE
In partnership with Boston University, Inner City Entrepreneurs launches to provide educational and networking resources to minority and inner-city business owners.
Inner City Entrepreneurs rebrands itself as Interise and launches the StreetWise MBA.
- The Smaller Business Association of New England names Interise an Innovation Award Winner.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration chooses Interise as the national training provider for their Emerging 200 initiative; ten cities host StreetWise MBA programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders program grows to 22 cities nationwide, including 12 communities with a focus on Native American business owners.
Interise works with the New York City Department of Small Business Services in its first license partnership.
Interise adds its second license partner, the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders initiative grows to 27 cities.
- Interise develops its first industry-specific cohort with the New York City Department of Small Business Services and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
- The World Bank identifies Interise as one of 25 “must-see” programs in the world for the development of entrepreneurs.
- Focusing on anchor institution procurement as a resource for local development, Interise partners with Cleveland’s University Circle Inc.
- Portland, OR’s municipal procurement services department incorporates the StreetWise MBA into their Prime Contractor Development Program.
- Bermuda College becomes Interise’s first international license partner.
- Four Corners Economic Development in Farmington, NM becomes a license partner.
- Interise partners with VETRN to offer StreetWise MBA courses to veterans.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders initiative expands to 50 cities nationwide.
- The first national summit of Interise alumni takes place in Dallas, TX.
- The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation awards Interise an Inclusion Grant.
- Prudential Financial becomes a major funder.
- Interise partners with the Boston Public Market and Commonwealth Kitchen for an industry-specific cohort focusing on food entrepreneurs.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity becomes Interise's first state-wide license partner.
- New license partners include the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Harlem Commonwealth Council, and the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council.
- The Surdna Foundation becomes a major funder.
- The Drucker Institute selects Interise as one of the Top 10 Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation finalists.
- The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation supports Interise with a Board-Level Grant.
- Interise partners with the Federal Reserve Bank of NY and the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative to publish Latino-Owned Businesses: Shining a Light on National Trends.
- With Charlotte, NC and the National Basketball Association, Interise launches AMP UP, a training program that prepares minority-owned businesses to work as suppliers and vendors for the NBA.
Interise launches three new programs:
Darrell Byers joins Interise as CEO.
- Accelerate Latinx, a bilingual or Spanish version of the StreetWise MBA,
- Grow My People, a human resources-focused Small Business Stronger course, and
- Leadership in Equitable Anchor Procurement (LEAP), a program to facilitate anchor contracts for small businesses.
Darrell Byers joins Interise as CEO.
- The 2020 SolveIt Conference brings visionaries, practitioners, and small business owners together to discuss economic development and address systemic issues that prevent sustainable change.
- Online Small Business Stronger courses help alumni businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Interise connects alumni businesses with current business school students through the MBA Response program.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards Interise a major grant to improve the quality of jobs in small businesses.
- Re-engaging for Greater Impact brings together Interise alumni, staff, and guests to discuss creating an inclusive economy for Boston.
- Interise develops MWBE Supplier Capacity Programs for Honeywell and the Urban League in Massachusetts.
"I have never taken a business or marketing class so this program challenged all of my professional experience. The rigorous yet streamlined focus with online videos, reading materials and experts in the industry helped me pave my future roadmap!"
Christine Staley, Magic City Hoagies, LLC
Our staff makes everything possible while living our values.
View current career opportunities on the Interise team.
Check out the latest news and developments from Interise.
THE FIRST COHORT
AFTER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, 14 BOSTON
ENTREPRENEURS IN THE INAUGURAL CLASS OF 2004:
Created 18
new jobs
new jobs
Secured $825,000
in financing
in financing
Conducted $100,000 in business
between participants
between participants
Source: Pioneer Institute, 2005