Our Mission
To inspire and empower Black entrepreneurs.
WE ARE A BLACK BUSINESS GENERATOR
“RICE is boldly pursuing pathways to expand the possibilities for entrepreneurs in Atlanta and beyond at a time when ensuring equitable opportunities for Black-owned businesses matters more than ever. Black entrepreneurs require more than symbols of hope at this critical time. They need institutions to manufacture it. RICE will do our part to help create and accelerate opportunities for Black business owners. When they feel cut off from opportunities and support, we bring them into a family of dynamic people like them, with the curriculum, coaching, co-working, connections and capital to help ensure they prosper, not just survive.„
- Jay Bailey
President, CEO
It's a New Day
Business Generator.
Accelerator.
Innovation Lab.
RICE is an economic mobility engine for the community: driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth. We house over 50,000 square feet of convening, meeting, and innovation space in a LEED Silver Certified building, brought to life by a robust offering of educational, networking, mentoring, and capital resources. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community.
Honoring the Legacy of The Russell Family
Launching his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 12, H.J. Russell later founded H.J. Russell & Company in 1952, becoming one of the largest Minority Business Enterprises in America.
From real estate development, airport concessions to construction and project management, the Russell family has been key to Atlanta’s growth.
“Entrepreneurship helped my dreams come true. I want the same for other young people looking to make good lives for themselves…I’m a lifetime believer that for America to continue being great and provide enough jobs for its people, the only path is fostering a national entrepreneurial spirit.”
-Herman J. Russell, Sr.
RICE Leadership Team
The people making it happen.
Jay Bailey
President, CEO
Burunda Prince
COO
Kris Hale
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Shalon Brown
Director of Community
Brittany Saadiq, CFRE
Director of Development
Mohamed Kamara
Operations Manager
Shantae Brown
Administrative Assistant
Michael Valentine
VP of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Inspire & Develop)
Paul Wilson Jr.
VP of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Execute, Accelerate & Scale)
2021 Board of Directors
H. Jerome Russell, Jr.
CHAIR President
HJ Russell & Company
Sig Mosley
Managing Partner
Mosley Ventures
Ann Cramer
Senior Consultant
Coxe Curry and Associates
Cynthia Day
President and CEO
Citizens Trust Bank
Ernest Greer
Co-President
Greenberg Traurig
Donata Russell Ross
President and CEO
Concessions International
Sylvia Russell
Former President
AT&T Georgia
Carla Chaney
EVP, CHRO
Equifax, Inc