When Courtney Smith founded Courtsmith in Oakland in 2014, he was building more than an athletic apparel company. From the beginning, Courtsmith was rooted in the idea that basketball is not just a sport, but a lifestyle and a community. That is where ICA Fund — a Bay Area impact investor, small business support organization and long-time partner to Courtsmith—came in. Building with staying powerFor small businesses, access to financing that fits their stage of growth can determine whether expansion is sustainable. “Courtsmith is about Oakland, representing the culture that raised us and creating opportunity for the next generation,” said Smith.