Capitol Regional Innovation Cluster Consortium (CRICC) CRICC’s mission is to create wealth for its investors and stake holders; promote regional innovation clusters and innovation based economic development (IBED) promote the creation of knowledge-based jobs and wealth by partnering with regional governments.

Areas of Expertise

Government/Advocacy/Lobbying

CRICC has been a leader in legal advocacy, acting in the courts, legislatures and through regulatory process at the federal, state, and local levels. These skills are critically needed today as conservative legal foundations are organizing to use the Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions on affirmative action in higher education to eviscerate MBE programs. Read More

Financing and Capacity Building

One of the objectives of CRICC is to build wealth and capacity of the minority business community to create larger businesses that can handle larger contracts and employ more people. African Americans are 13% of the US population and own 2.2M businesses which is 9.9% of all businesses. Read More

Minority Business and Entrepreneurship

CRICC has the experience and thus the ability to provide training and guidance to minority businesses focused on growth and development. Access to programs and direct technical assistance are strategies to enlighten and empower our clients continually as they grow and create wealth for minorities.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a critical role in providing access to higher education, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting community engagement and economic development. Businesses that partner with HBCUs can benefit from access to a diverse talent pool Read More

News

Capitol Regional Innovation Cluster Consortium (CRICC) and GrantVEST Join Forces to Accelerate Commercialization and Business Growth

April 9, 2024

On April 9th, 2024, the Capitol Regional Innovation Cluster Consortium (CRICC) and GrantVEST announced a strategic partnership to foster innovation and accelerate the commercialization of intellectual property within the Capital Region and beyond.

January 24, 2023

Howard University Awarded $90 Million Contract by Air Force, DOD to Establish First-Ever University Affiliated Research Center Led by an HBCU. With this announcement, Howard makes history as the first HBCU to lead a UARC and the first center to be funded by the Air Force.

Donald “Don” R. Cravins, Jr. serves as the first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development where he leads the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in its service of the nation's 9.7 million minority business enterprises.

More News

Empowering Minority Businesses with knowledge: "From Brain Power to Economic Power"

CRICC is proud to announce the integration of Dr. James Ayinde Fabunmi's groundbreaking book, "From Brain Power to Economic Power," into our Minority Business and Entrepreneurship training program. With over 40 years of experience, CRICC is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive training and guidance to minority businesses, focusing on their growth and development.

About the Book

"From Brain Power to Economic Power" by James Ayinde Fabunmi delves into the connection between academic excellence and economic power. Dr. Fabunmi explores critical questions such as why some countries remain economically underdeveloped despite their academically successful college graduates, and how academic excellence can be harnessed for economic empowerment. This book offers innovative insights and practical strategies for governments, entrepreneurs, and academicians to foster economic growth through education and policy.
Learn More

Welcome to CRICC