Black prosperity multiplied through business ownership

Transformational change requires strong partnerships and impact-driven collaboration. We have developed incredible momentum, and in the face of COVID-19 and current social climate, the necessity to provide access, opportunities, and resources to the Black business community is more critical than ever.

We need systems to facilitate growth by design rather than support systems designed to prevent it.

We're here from ideation through acceleration and beyond to connectivity and the resources needed to build stronger business leaders, better communities, and more profitable businesses. Creating jobs, increasing wealth, and advancing Black pathways.

Where there is one Black-owned business, we can make it two. Where there are 100, we can create 200. Imagine the jobs, wealth, and community, we will build through The Russell Center.

Too many Black-owned businesses are systematically cut off from the capital they need.

Not here.

Through our relationships with banks, venture capital funds, angel investors, and community development financial institutions we can help you break through the single biggest barrier to Black entrepreneurship.

BUILD. BLACK. BUSINESS.

The lasting impact of RICE’s mission fulfilled will be sustaining Atlanta’s Black-owned businesses and RICE Stakeholder through the COVID-19 crisis and over the long term.

Creating 2,000 jobs in Atlanta

Adding $6.5+ million to the state and local tax revenue pools

Increasing Black household wealth in the City of Atlanta by over $70 million

Accelerating 50 growth companies by 5-10 employees

Inspiring 100,000 individuals through exposure to entrepreneurship.

Developing 250 new startup companies

Empowering 700 existing businesses to grow by 1-5 employees

A Generator for All Businesses

Our Big IDEAS platform meets you where you are on your journey from startup to scale-up, while giving you the practical knowledge you need to grow your business.

Testimonials

“RICE has had a huge impact on my business. I’ve been in business 7 years and been to several organizations; every challenge we’ve faced, RICE has given us advice or connected us to the right people; actually putting actions behind their words.”

Ceata Lash
Co-founder, PuffCuff

“I am so proud to be a part of what’s happening at RICE. I have an opportunity to take stake in the economic growth in the city with my people.”

Dondre Anderson
CEO, Symphony Chips

“I want my legacy to be tied to what we build at the Russell Center. RICE is a template for how entrepreneurship can be done right and how to really build our community.”

Terri-Nichelle Bradley
CEO, Brown Toy Box

“At RICE I was blessed to find a community that offered wisdom as they laughed and partook in the wit. From my earliest days as a stakeholder. I was met with bright smiles, brilliant minds, and beautiful black faces—a group of likeminded people who were pursuing different paths but the same ultimate goal—success. Suddenly, I became a part of something bigger than myself. “

Louis Deas
CEO, Deas Nuts and Other Sweet Treats