Applications are currently being accepted for a cost-free education program that will connect Tampa Bay-area business owners with resources designed to help grow their companies.The program is called Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC). ICCC provides business education, marketing assistance and one-on-one coaching for businesses that are growth oriented and have a presence in or near urban or economically underserved areas.Eligible business owners can come from communities throughout the Tampa Bay area, the Florida Suncoast and the Interstate 4 corridor.The program is offered free of charge due to financial support from Regions Bank and community partners. Regions recruited ICCC to Tampa Bay for the first time in the program’s history. Community partners joining Regions include Florida Blue, Carlton Fields, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Ernst & Young, United Way Suncoast, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Valpak.“Tampa Bay’s economy is on fire and growing, and we want to make sure nobody is left behind,” said Marty Lanahan, West Florida Area President for Regions Bank. “This program levels the playing field. It gives entrepreneurs access to the types of information, expertise and investments they need to help their businesses thrive. As local businesses grow and succeed, they create more jobs, and our entire region is made stronger.”Business training from ICCC is delivered by nationally recognized experts from the Harvard Business School, Northwestern, MIT and other leading institutions. ICCC also connects businesses with local business professionals who provide customized coaching and feedback.The program will culminate in the Tampa Bay area with an all-day business education conference at the University of South Florida’s CAMLS facility on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Webinars and follow-up opportunities will also be available to help entrepreneurs continue developing their skills.To participate, business owners must apply through the ICCC website at www.iccapitalconnections.org. Applications are due July 14.ICCC will review applications based on program criteria and select businesses to take part. ICCC also presents a national investors conference in New York each fall, and local businesses that are eligible will be invited to participate.“We have seen the results of ICCC in communities across the country, and now, it’s Tampa Bay’s turn,” Lanahan said. “This is a chance to learn directly from some of the brightest business minds in the country. And it’s free. So there’s no reason not to apply.”“The application deadline of July 14 will be here soon, and we are already seeing strong interest,” Lanahan added. “So we encourage companies to apply early and make sure they have a chance to benefit.”