ISC Debuts BusinessFirst Insurance: A Data-Driven Workers’ Compensation Platform for Independent Agents
By Lauren Towner · 3 July 2026

Quick Summary
Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC) has launched its Workers’ Compensation platform, BusinessFirst Insurance, to provide data-driven coverage for independent agents. The platform combines advanced claims analytics with underwriting expertise to serve over 13,000 policies across eight U.S. states, focusing on long-term stability and efficient quote delivery.
How Does the New Workers’ Compensation Platform Benefit Agents?
The Workers’ Compensation platform streamlines the submission process for independent agents by providing direct underwriting access and rapid quote generation. By leveraging ISC’s proprietary technology portal, brokers can manage a diverse risk portfolio across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and retail. Key benefits include:
- Real-time data analytics for more accurate risk assessment.
- Access to A-rated coverage through RetailFirst Insurance Group.
- A footprint covering 8 key states including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
"BusinessFirst brings best-in-class coverage, focus, expertise, and consistency to Workers' Compensation," said ISC CEO Matt Grossberg. "With BusinessFirst, we’re able to provide agents and employers with dedicated expertise, streamlined processes, and the level of service they deserve."
What Industries Can Access BusinessFirst Insurance?
This Workers’ Compensation platform is purpose-built to handle the complexities of high-risk specialty segments. The program currently supports 13,000 policies in force, offering monoline solutions tailored to specific operational hazards. Targeted sectors include:
- Construction and Manufacturing: Focused on safety and return-to-work outcomes.
- Agriculture and Service: Specialized underwriting for diverse labor forces.
- Financial and Retail: Scalable protection for high-volume employers.
“ISC's blend of underwriting excellence, technology focus, and insurance expertise, combined with our strong capital position and agency partnerships, will inevitably lead to profitable growth for everyone," said Tom Petcoff, Board Chairman.
How Does ISC Improve Claims Management and Outcomes?
The integration of advanced claims administration ensures that the Workers’ Compensation platform does more than just pay out benefits; it actively manages the recovery process. By using proactive management strategies, the platform helps employers reduce total costs while ensuring injured workers receive immediate care. This data-centric approach facilitates successful return-to-work results, protecting the employer's bottom line through consistent risk mitigation and responsive service.
FF NEWS TAKE:
The launch of BusinessFirst by ISC definitely moves the needle by proving that the Workers’ Compensation platform model is ripe for a tech-heavy overhaul. By combining the legacy stability of RetailFirst with ISC’s modern data stack, they are addressing the primary pain point for MGAs: the need for speed without sacrificing underwriting integrity. This regional expansion signals a serious challenge to traditional, slower-moving carriers in the Southeast and Midwest.
Companies in this story: RetailFirst Insurance Group, BusinessFirst Insurance Company, RetailFirst Insurance Company, BusinessFirst Insurance, Integrated Specialty Coverages
People in this story: Tom Petcoff, Jacob Geyer, Adam Sipe, Matt Grossberg