| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 15 4–6 PM |
Orientation Session #1 | Overview of RICE, expectations, program pathways, sectors, and navigation of resources. | New stakeholders; returning stakeholders seeking clarity. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Sat, Jan 17 10 AM–12 PM |
Orientation Session #2 | Weekend repeat of Orientation with all sectors represented. | New stakeholders; those who missed Session #1. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Tues, Jan 20 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #1: Clarity + Goal Setting | Goal-setting and clarity-building through peer coaching and guided prompts. | Stakeholders needing direction or accountability. | Marie Hunter, President, KRG Oil Company | Register |
| Tues, Jan 20, 27 1 PM–2 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop AI Tools for Growing Businesses |
Overview of practical AI and no-code tools, workflow automation, rapid prototyping, and tech-enabled growth strategies for small business owners. | Entrepreneurs new to AI tools; stakeholders seeking scalable, tech-enabled workflows. | Cam Flowers, Founder & CEO, Floreo Labs | Register |
| Thu, Jan 22 1:30–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday The Art of the Strategic Partnership |
Overview of collaborative learning, peer-led discussion, and practical skill-sharing through Think Tank Thursdays in Stakeholder Central. | RICE stakeholders; entrepreneurs seeking peer learning and strategic collaboration. | Courtney Counts, KTC | Register |
| Thu, Jan 22 5:30–7:00 PM |
Productivity, Focus & Well-Being Session for CEOs | Facilitated conversation on productivity, focus, and sustainable leadership for founders and CEOs. | All stakeholders; especially business owners seeking better focus and balance. | Tiffany Ellis, CEO – G Anns Cold Pressed | Register |
| Thu, Jan 29 1:00–2:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday Creating and/or Enhancing Your Capability Statement |
Overview of collaborative learning and practical guidance on developing or strengthening a capability statement through Think Tank Thursdays in Stakeholder Central. | RICE stakeholders; entrepreneurs preparing for partnerships, contracts, or growth opportunities. | Keya Grant, CEO, The Curated Olive | Register |
| Thu, Jan 29 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #2: 90-Day Planning | Traction-building and action planning to close out the month. | All stakeholders. | Myra Herring, Coach | Speaker | Trainer | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tues, Feb 3 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #1 (Feb) | Early-month reset, momentum recap, and accountability. | All stakeholders. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 3, 10 1 PM–2 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop AI Tools for Growing Businesses |
Overview of practical AI and no-code tools, workflow automation, rapid prototyping, and tech-enabled growth strategies for small business owners. | Entrepreneurs new to AI tools; stakeholders seeking scalable, tech-enabled workflows. | Cam Flowers | Floreo Labs | Register |
| Wed, Feb 4 10AM–12 PM |
World Cup Forum: Fireside Conversation with Jay Bailey | World Cup Forum fireside conversation featuring honest insights on leadership, business wins, and lessons learned. | All stakeholders; especially early-stage entrepreneurs. | Jay Bailey | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 5 6–7:30 PM |
Entrepreneur Essentials (NEW) | Business fundamentals: models, revenue, value proposition, customer basics, and what “scale” actually means. | All new & returning stakeholders. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 2–5 PM |
Advising Tuesdays | Weekly sector-aligned advising focused on clarity, planning, financial health, and next steps. | Any stakeholder needing targeted support. | Dr. Berkley Baker; Mark Peterson | Register w/ Dr. Berkley Register w/ Mark Peterson |
| Tues, Feb 10 6–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab #1: Business Foundations | Business models, customer identification, and value proposition basics. | New and early-stage entrepreneurs. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 12 5:30–6:30 PM |
Stakeholder Mixer / Community Hour | Fun, light community-building space across sectors. | All stakeholders. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Tues, Feb 17 6–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab #2: Finance Basics | Cash flow, budgeting, pricing, and basic money management. | All entrepreneurs; those intimidated by finance. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Wed, Feb 18 5:30–7:00 PM |
Leadership & CEO Perspective Session | Executive insights on leadership, decision-making, and navigating business growth from the CEO lens. | All stakeholders; especially founders and operators. Professional Services Sector. | Dr. Lawrence Henderson, CEO – Boss LLC | Register |
| Sat, Feb 21 9 AM – 2 PM |
Situational Leadership | Situational Leadership equips founders to lead diverse teams effectively by tailoring their approach to the specific needs of each individual. | Founders and leaders managing teams. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 24 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #2 (Feb) | End-of-month accountability check + troubleshooting, systems, automation, team development. | All stakeholders needing structure. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 26 6–8 PM |
Advanced Learning Lab: Scaling + Systems | Revenue optimization, and expanding operations. | Established, revenue-generating businesses ready to grow. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Mar 17 6–7:30 PM |
Tech Tuesday: 4-Week Series | Design Thinking Mini Bootcamp WEEK 3 | Generate Bold Ideas |
Participants will explore multiple solution possibilities using quick sketching methods such as Crazy 8s and SCAMPER Lite. They will learn how to generate a large quantity of ideas, evaluate them, and select one direction for early prototyping. This week emphasizes creativity, exploration, and visual communication — even for non-artists. | Stakeholder Only Event | Thomas Clifton | Register |
| Tue, Mar 17 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: The Profit Audit - What's Actually Making You Money | Not all revenue is created equal. We’re doing a deep dive into your sales data to separate the "vanity metrics" from the actual profit. Learn to double down on what works and cut the "busy work" that’s draining your bank account. | Stakeholder Only Event | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Wed, Mar 25 6–7:30 PM |
AI Innovation for Entrepreneurs | Stakeholder Only Event | — | — | |
| Mon, Mar 30 6–9:30 PM |
Group Coaching: The Art of the Ask | Stakeholder Only Event | Marie Hunter | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Apr 2 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 4 | A guided session supporting sustainable business growth by strengthening mindset, wellbeing, and leadership alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, Apr 7 6:00–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab: Lead Adoption & Customer Conversion | Learn how to convert interested leads into loyal paying customers through stronger follow-up and conversion strategies. | Stakeholders - All | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tue, Apr 7 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Foundations of Global Product Innovation _ MPesa & Apple in China | Define global product innovation, explore adaptation frameworks for product globalization, and review case insights from MPesa’s agent network scaling and Apple’s China-specific customization. Participants will map their own Market Adaptation Snapshot and engage in peer Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Thu, Apr 9 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Understanding Your Verticals (B2C, B2B, B2G) | Discover how balancing B2C, B2B, and B2G revenue streams can stabilize income, reduce risk, and expand business opportunities. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Tue, Apr 14 1:00–3:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop TrapGPT: Creating an AI Workforce |
Learn how to build practical AI agents that automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency across your business. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Wed, Apr 15 6:00–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: 90-Day Planning Q2 + Check-In | Align your Q2 priorities, refine strategy, and track progress through a structured quarterly planning and accountability session. | Stakeholders - All | Myra Herring | Register |
| Thu, Apr 16 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 5 | Continue building a sustainable business by strengthening leadership, wellness, and long-term growth alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, Apr 21 6:00–7:30 PM |
Business Health Check (Formerly Business Foundations) | Identify and close operational, financial, and legal gaps to ensure your business foundation can support future growth. | Stakeholders - All | Mark Peterson | — |
| Tue, Apr 21 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale "Using AI to Build Product Roadmaps _ Tesla's China Gigafactory" | Explore market entry models such as export, licensing, JV, and WFOE, along with OEM/ODM, policy and trade considerations, and Tesla’s negotiation and localization pathway in China. Participants will apply entry models to their own businesses and engage in Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Mon, Apr 27 6:00–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab: Protecting Your Legacy Through Risk Strategy | Learn how to identify hidden risks and build smart protections that allow you to grow boldly without jeopardizing your business. | Stakeholders - All | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Tue, Apr 28 1:00–3:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop TrapGPT: Proposal Powerhouse |
Use AI to quickly create persuasive, professional proposals that win clients and move decision-makers to yes. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Tue, Apr 28 6:00–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: Creating Executive Capacity | Learn how to delegate effectively, empower your team, and free up time to focus on high-level business growth. | Stakeholders - All | Chris Hanks | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, May 4 6:00–7:00 PM |
Learning Lab: Protecting Your Legacy Through Risk Strategy | Learn practical strategies to protect your business and personal legacy through effective risk planning. Participants will explore real-world approaches to strengthening long-term business stability. | Stakeholders - All | — | Register |
| Tue, May 5 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - Cultural Literacy in Service Delivery | Explore how global companies use cultural literacy to strengthen customer experiences and brand consistency. Participants will discuss service strategies and practical applications for their own businesses. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Wed, May 6 6:00–8:30 PM |
AI Unlocked Workshop: Supercharging Your Business with Data-Driven AI | Discover how AI and business data can improve decision-making, efficiency, and customer engagement. Participants will explore practical tools and strategies to support business growth. | Stakeholders - All | — | Register |
| Thu, May 7 2:00–4:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: The Hidden Script | Explore how personal narratives and mindset patterns influence leadership and business decisions. Participants will identify limiting beliefs and discuss strategies for growth and alignment. | Stakeholders - All | Ghazi Muhammed | Register |
| Thu, May 7 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 6 | This guided session supports sustainable business growth through mindset, wellness, and leadership development. Participants will engage in discussions designed to strengthen personal and professional alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Mon, May 11 6:00–7:00 PM |
Group Coaching: Creating Executive Capacity | Learn strategies to strengthen leadership habits, delegation, and operational discipline. Participants will explore ways to improve executive decision-making and business management. | Stakeholders - All | — | Register |
| Tue, May 12 6:00–7:00 PM |
Road to Open Call Info Session 2 | Learn more about the Road to Open Call opportunity and what participants can expect from the process. This session will provide key details, guidance, and next steps for interested entrepreneurs. | Public Facing Event | — | — |
| Tue, May 12 6:00–8:30 PM |
Real Estate & Construction Sector Meeting | This sector meeting brings together real estate and construction stakeholders for connection, updates, and shared learning. Participants will engage around sector-specific opportunities, challenges, and next steps. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | — |
| Wed, May 13 1:00–2:00 PM |
Health & Wellness Sector: Core + More | This session supports health and wellness entrepreneurs with practical insights to strengthen business growth and community impact. Participants will explore strategies connected to wellness, operations, and sustainable development. | Public Facing Event | — | — |
| Wed, May 13 6:00–8:00 PM |
Health & Wellness Sector: Sunset Reset - A Yoga & Sound Bath Experience | Join a restorative wellness experience designed to support reflection, relaxation, and balance. Participants will engage in yoga and sound bath practices that encourage renewal and connection. | Public Facing Event | — | — |
| Wed, May 13 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Get Clear About Capital | This session helps entrepreneurs better understand capital options and what is needed to prepare for funding opportunities. Participants will gain clarity on financial readiness and how to position their business for capital access. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | Register |
| Thu, May 14 2:00–4:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: The Hidden Script: Rewriting the Script for Growth, Visibility, and Performance | Explore how internal narratives can shape business growth, visibility, and performance. Participants will identify limiting beliefs and discuss practical ways to rewrite the script for stronger results. | Public Facing Event | — | Register |
| Thu, May 14 4:00–7:00 PM |
Stakeholder Community Hour | Connect with fellow stakeholders in a relaxed community setting designed to build relationships and encourage collaboration. This gathering creates space for networking, shared updates, and meaningful engagement. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | Register |
| Tue, May 19 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Innovation Pathways: From Prototype to Market _ Xiaomi's Globalization Strategy | Explore how companies rapidly test and scale new ideas from concept to market. Participants will learn practical innovation strategies that support business growth. | Public Facing Event | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Wed, May 20 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Criteria for Capital (Session 1) | Learn what funders and lenders look for when evaluating businesses for capital. Participants will explore key readiness criteria and ways to strengthen their financial position. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | Register |
| Thu, May 21 3:00–5:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: FIFA Impact Study: What Happens When Everything Goes Right? | Examine the business and community impact of major successful events through the lens of the FIFA experience. Participants will discuss what happens when planning, execution, and opportunity align. | Public Facing Event | — | Register |
| Thu, May 21 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Final Ceremony | Celebrate the completion of the program journey and recognize participant growth and achievements. This closing session provides space for reflection, connection, and community celebration. | Stakeholder Only Event | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, May 26 2:00–4:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday: DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING FOR FOUNDERS | Learn how founders can use data to make smarter decisions and improve business performance. Participants will explore practical ways to track insights, evaluate trends, and guide growth. | Public Facing Event | — | Register |
| Tue, May 26 6:00–8:00 PM |
Health & Wellness Sector Meeting/Social | Join health and wellness stakeholders for a sector-focused meeting and social connection opportunity. Participants will share updates, build relationships, and discuss opportunities for collaboration. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | — |
| Wed, May 27 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Criteria for Capital (Session 2) | Continue exploring the criteria businesses need to meet when preparing for capital opportunities. Participants will deepen their understanding of financial readiness and funding expectations. | Stakeholder Only Event | — | Register |
| Thu, May 28 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Why Your Business Makes Money But You’re Still Broke | Explore why revenue does not always translate into financial stability or owner pay. Participants will discuss money management, cash flow, and strategies to create stronger financial outcomes. | Public Facing Event | — | Register |
| Sat, May 30 9:00 AM–2:00 PM |
Health and Wellness Sector | This session brings together health and wellness entrepreneurs for sector-specific learning, connection, and engagement. Participants will explore opportunities to strengthen their businesses and expand their impact. | Public Facing Event | — | — |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jun 1 6:00–8:00 PM |
Learning Lab: Transaction Law for Entrepreneurs | — | Stakeholders - All | Michelle Simpson | Register |
| Tue, Jun 2 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Nonprofit Scaling Services Globally (CARE) _ The Power of Partnerships | Locally led, globally scaled service models, Lean Service Protocol structure, and CARE’s MEL systems. Participants will design a Lean Service Protocol for their services and engage in group discussion and Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Wed, Jun 3 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Criteria for Capital (Session 3) | Whether seeking a loan or partner, entrepreneurs must speak the language of money. This session helps participants strengthen their books and credit so they can present as a safe bet to lenders and investors. | Stakeholders - All | John Paschal | Register |
| Thu, Jun 4 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Own Your Audience: From Subscribers to Sales Through Your Company Newsletter | This workshop teaches business owners how to build and use a company newsletter as a direct communication channel. Participants will learn how newsletters can drive consistent engagement and revenue beyond social media. | Stakeholders - All | Jessica Brown | Register |
| Tue, Jun 9 6:00–8:00 PM |
Real Estate, Construction, & Manufacturing Sector: Commercial Leasing for Small Business | — | General Public | Jarvis Broughton, Travis D. Hughes | Register |
| Wed, Jun 10 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Connecting to Capital (CDFIs) | This session helps entrepreneurs understand how to position themselves for capital. Participants will focus on strengthening financial readiness and credibility with lenders and investors. | Stakeholders - All | Tamiea Anderson | Register |
| Thu, Jun 11 2:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Know Your Business Scorecard: KPIs, Dashboards & Financial Ratios for Business Growth | A practical finance session to help entrepreneurs understand how their business makes money. Participants will review key metrics such as costs, margins, cash flow, and net profit to make stronger decisions. | General Public, Stakeholders - All | Mark Steward | Register |
| Tue, Jun 16 12–1:00 PM |
Walmart Road to Open Call - Pitch Prep Session #1 | — | Stakeholders - All, General Public | — | Register |
| Tue, Jun 16 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Financing & Fundraising for Global Innovation _ Nubank: Democratizing Financial Services | Covers global funding instruments, venture capital options, capital stack mapping, and investor signals such as traction, unit economics, and compliance. Participants will draft capital stack plans and engage in peer Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Tue, Jun 16 6:00–8:00 PM |
Built for AI: Data That Works for You - A Modern Data Platform Strategy for Business Leaders | — | Stakeholders - All | Markis Piper | Register |
| Wed, Jun 17 5:00–7:00 PM |
Stakeholder Community Hour | — | Stakeholders - All | Paul Mayberry | Register |
| Wed, Jun 17 5:30–7:00 PM |
ProServ Sector: Revenue Architecture & Negotiation Strategy | A practical conversation on what it takes to scale a service-based business with clarity and intention. | Stakeholders - All | Chef Kitura | — |
| Wed, Jun 17 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Connecting to Capital (Banks) | This session helps entrepreneurs understand how to position themselves for capital. Participants will focus on strengthening financial readiness and credibility with lenders and investors. | Stakeholders - All | Tamiea Anderson | Register |
| Thu, Jun 18 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Big BIDness: Go Where the Yes Is | A practical finance session to help entrepreneurs understand how their business makes money. Participants will review key metrics such as costs, margins, cash flow, and net profit to make stronger decisions. | General Public, Stakeholders - All | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Thu, Jun 18 6:00–7:00 PM |
Walmart Road to Open Call Pitch Prep Session #2 | — | — | Keya Grant | Register |
| Fri, Jun 19 1:00–2:00 PM |
Walmart Road to Open Call - Pitch Prep session #3 | — | Stakeholders - All | — | Register |
| Mon, Jun 22 6:00–8:00 PM |
Built for AI: Data That Works for You - Product Ownership and AI for the Modern Entrepreneur | — | Stakeholders - All | Markis Piper | Register |
| Thu, Jun 25 6:80–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Connecting to Capital (Community Funds) | This session helps entrepreneurs understand how to position themselves for capital. Participants will focus on strengthening financial readiness and credibility with lenders and investors. | Stakeholders - All | Tamiea Anderson | Register |
| Tue, Jun 30 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Service Supply Chains & Global Partnerships (UPS) _ UPS & HP: Value Creation Through Supply Chain Partnerships | Covers service supply chain mapping, partner roles, SLAs, data flows, and integrated operations. Participants will build a partner stack with KPIs such as OTIF, FCR, and NPS. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jul 2 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Living a Mature & Disciplined Life: Part 1 Inner Mastery & Mental Alignment | This workshop helps participants develop spiritual maturity, disciplined habits, and purpose-driven execution through Kingdom-centered principles. Attendees will explore inner mastery, mental alignment, and practical tools for personal growth. | General Public, Stakeholders - ALL | Sharnita Gates | Register |
| Thu, Jul 2 6:30–8:00 PM |
Capital Ready Series - Connecting to Capital (Venture Capitalist/Investors) | Entrepreneurs will learn how to strengthen their financial readiness and communicate effectively with lenders and investors. The session focuses on improving books, credit, and overall investor appeal. | Stakeholders - ALL | Tamiea Anderson | Register |
| Wed, Jul 8 6:00–8:00 PM |
Real Estate, Construction, & Manufacturing Sector: Bring People, Culture, & High Performing Teams Together | This session explores strategies for building strong workplace culture and high-performing teams within the real estate, construction, and manufacturing industries. Participants will gain practical insights on leadership, collaboration, and team development. | General Public | Jarvis Broughton, Shante' Pumphrey | Register |
| Thu, Jul 9 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Living a Mature & Disciplined Life: Part 2 Discipline, Expression & Execution | This follow-up workshop focuses on turning disciplined thinking into intentional action and execution. Participants will strengthen habits, self-expression, and leadership skills that support long-term growth. | Stakeholders - ALL, General Public | Sharnita Gates | Register |
| Tue, Jul 14 1:00–3:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday: TrapGPT: Your AI Book Publisher | This workshop shows entrepreneurs how to turn their experiences, expertise, and systems into published books using AI tools. Attendees will learn how books can build authority, create new revenue streams, and strengthen brand visibility. | Stakeholders - ALL, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Thu, Jul 16 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Big BIDness: Know Your Numbers | A practical finance workshop designed to help entrepreneurs better understand costs, profit margins, cash flow, and overall business performance. Participants will learn how to make informed decisions using real financial data instead of guesswork. | Stakeholders - ALL, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Thu, Jul 16 5:00–7:00 PM |
Stakeholder Community Hour | A networking and engagement session designed for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and share updates. Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen relationships and build community partnerships. | Stakeholders - ALL | Paul Mayberry | Register |
| Tue, Jul 21 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Personal Financial Planning & Wealth Building for Entrepreneurs _ ACE Capital | This session explores personal financial planning strategies for entrepreneurs, including emergency funds, retirement planning, investments, and financial stability. Participants will complete practical exercises and discuss ways to strengthen household resilience during revenue fluctuations. | Stakeholders - ALL | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Tue, Jul 28 2:00–4:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday: Bulletproof Your Tech Build: The Tech Vendor Playbook for Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneurs will learn how to effectively work with developers, designers, and technology vendors to avoid costly mistakes and delays. The workshop provides practical guidance for managing tech-enabled projects and getting the results you expect. | General Public, Stakeholders - ALL | Mark Lawson | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Aug 4 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Capstone: Designing a Global Innovation Strategy _ Spinbrush: John Osher: The Electric Toothbrush that Sold for $475M | This capstone session explores global innovation strategy, localization, partnerships, and international operations through real-world business examples. Participants will present short strategy concepts, receive peer feedback, and discuss ways to scale ideas globally. | Stakeholders - ALL | Shakiri Murrain | Register |
| Thu, Aug 13 3:00–4:30 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Brand Like You Mean It: Building Strategic Brand for Business Growth | This interactive workshop helps entrepreneurs understand branding as a strategic business tool rather than just visuals or marketing. Participants will learn how to create a cohesive brand that communicates value, attracts the right audience, and supports business growth. | General Public, Stakeholders - ALL | Linia White | Register |
Terri-Nichelle Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Play at Brown Toy Box. Bradley believes that Black children should see themselves positively represented in every space the experience regularly, starting with their toybox and the toy aisle. Bradley, an equity in play advocate, is on a mission to disrupt the $27B toy industry by creating a brand that reflects the world we live in today. Launched in 2017 as a STEAM kit, Brown Toy Box evolved into a full-scale educational toy company producing and curating STEAM toys, media, and experiences for centering and celebrating Black children in a manner all children can enjoy, learn, and have fun. Prior to starting Brown Toy Box, Bradley led a communications consultancy working with Fortune 500 companies in campaigns designed to connect with the African American community. Prior to that, Bradley served as the VP of Corporate, Crisis, and Public Affairs for the world’s largest global PR agency. Bradley has been awarded the Civic Impact Award, was recognized as a 2019 Atlanta’s Top 100 Businesswomen of Influence by the Atlanta Business League, acknowledged on the 2020 Who’s Who in Black Atlanta list of influential leaders and most recently named to Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Female Founders 100 list. Brown Toy Box is sold in Target stores nationwide, with Amazon, over 30 museums including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, as well as other independent specialty toy stores and retailers. Learn more at browntoybox.com
Stefan Miller is the Co-Founder and CMO for Young King Hair Care, which launched in December 2019. Young King Hair Care is a multicultural grooming and lifestyle brand company with tailored offerings catering to specific needs of young men of color. Stefan is a marketing professional with 15+ years of experience across marketing, sales and consulting in the CPG and tech industries. At Young King, Stefan has been featured in over 75+ national publications, was recognized by Mintel as one of the top US brand innovations of 2021, partnered with Disney and Marvel Studios for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and was a participant on Season 13 of ABC’s Shark Tank. Currently Young King Hair Care is available in multiple retail partners, including Target, Walmart, and CVS, selling in over 3,000 stores across the US. Prior to founding Young King Hair Care, he led business strategy and marketing communications, while launching innovations across multiple billion-dollar brands and categories at IBM, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull. Stefan L. Miller Bio Stefan holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University with concentrations in Brand Marketing, Media Management and Management in Organizations, and is a proud HBCU alum of Morehouse College with a BA in Business Administration. He currently lives with his wife and co-founder Cora and 2 kids, Kade and Cree in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at youngkinghaircare.com
Ceata E. Lash, CEO and founder of PuffCuff has emerged as a pioneering figure in the natural hair accessory industry, holding the distinction of being the first African-American woman to secure four US patents in this domain. Her journey to entrepreneurship was built upon a 30-year career as a graphic designer, which laid the foundation for launching PuffCuff in 2013. Ceata’s innovative leadership has earned her prestigious accolades, including the President’s Innovation Award from Sally Beauty and the New Voices + Barefoot Wine Beauty Business Grant. These achievements have placed her among the top female founders featured in Inc. Magazine. Committed to lifelong learning and growth, Ceata has completed the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses National Cohort and was part of the inaugural Amazon Black Business Accelerator Cohort. Her recent completion of the “Building a Successful Diverse Business” program at Tuck Executive Education, Dartmouth, further underscores her dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in the business world. Learn more at thepuffcuff.com
