ICA Fund has had an incredible journey of growth over the last 5 years. In 2019, we started with six investments in locally-owned businesses. By 2024, we grew our portfolio tenfold, supporting over sixty companies with mission-aligned, flexible capital. We’ve learned a lot during this period of expansion; most importantly, we’ve discovered that our impact is greatest when we prioritize accelerating the growth and wealth-building power of businesses we invest in. 

In order to better support our portfolio, the ICA Accelerator as you’ve come to know it, will transform to bring more tactical, tailored, recurring workshops and structured advising opportunities to our community of founders. We’re excited about some of the initiatives we’re working on to support this evolution:

Active Advisor connections: ICA has an expansive network of business experts with experience ranging from supply chain management, to financial planning, to marketing and communications. Our clarified focus on portfolio support allows us to more fully activate this network for founders.

Custom growth plans: We’ll work with portfolio companies to pinpoint key needs and build out customized growth plans with supportive resources.

Vetted connections to Professional Service Providers (PSPs): Founders will have opportunities to access ICA’s network of PSPs specializing in business operations, financial management, market access, and legal support. 

Co-Investor Circles: We’re exploring deeper partnerships with other local community lenders and investors to open new doors for our companies.

By expanding our portfolio services, ICA can show up as a stronger, long-term partner for current and future founders. We will maintain our roots in the food and beverage industry, but we’re excited to double-down on investing in other growing markets — like sustainable consumer products, health & wellness, and tech-enabled services — where founders are leading innovation.  

While this is a new chapter for ICA Fund, we’re staying committed to backing great businesses with capital, coaching, and connections so that they can scale, create good jobs, and build wealth for themselves and their community. We’re excited to do this work on a deeper level, and we hope you’ll continue to work alongside us to build an economy that works for all. 

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. If you have ideas or resources related to supporting growing businesses, share them at hello@ica.fund. 
2. Contribute to building the future of investing by joining the ICA Team.
3. Sign up for the ICA Fund Newsletter for important updates and community news.

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Allison Kelly, ICA Fund CEO