WHAT IS THE
RICE RETAIL ACADEMY
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) is an experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
WHAT IS THE
RICE RETAIL ACADEMY
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) is an experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
WHAT IS THE
RICE RETAIL ACADEMY
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) is an experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
WHAT IS THE
RICE RETAIL ACADEMY
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) is an experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
WHAT IS THE
RICE RETAIL ACADEMY
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) is an experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
WHO IS IT FOR?
RRA is open to Atlanta-based Black CPG brands with traction. Whether you’re already in retail or thriving in e-commerce, this Academy is designed for those with foundational assets, business experience, revenue, and a growth plan.
RRA is ideal for individuals ready to dive into retail or expand their blueprint and take their brand to new heights!
WHEN DOES IT START?
RRA operates in 5-month sprints. Specific start dates will be announced well in advance of each program cycle. Join the Russell Center’s email list and stay tuned to our website to receive official communications for application openings. Program duration and schedule details may vary, so be sure to check for details when applications open.
The next RRA class is from March 2024-July 2024
HOW ARE BRANDS SELECTED?
The selection committee assesses each applicant’s brand’s uniqueness, retail market potential, and your commitment to learning and growth.
Our goal is to form a group of diverse and motivated entrepreneurs eager to leverage the program’s resources and opportunities.
HOW ARE BRANDS SELECTED?
The selection committee assesses each applicant’s brand’s uniqueness, retail market potential, and your commitment to learning and growth.
Our goal is to form a group of diverse and motivated entrepreneurs eager to leverage the program’s resources and opportunities.
ENTREPRENEURS
IN RESIDENCE
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Once invited to join RICE’s RRA, participants will have the opportunity to unlock expertise from top industry leaders in retail, supply chain, finance, marketing and a host of valuable fundamentals to become retail ready. Led by RICE’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, which consists of three highly notable entrepreneurs who are well versed CPG brand owners, participants will receive firsthand knowledge on process and product improvement, and best practices to navigate and conquer the retail industry.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND TO ELEVATE YOUR BRAND!
Access to personal financial coaching to make your brand bankable
Become loan-worthy and investment ready
The opportunity to learn from with capital partners
Mentorship and peer insights
WHAT WILL BRANDS GET OUT OF IT?
Brands that complete the RICE’s RRA can expect to emerge with a more comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape. Participants will walk away with refined business strategies, marketing plans, and operational efficiency to make informed decisions to elevate your brand in the retail sector. Brands will have an opportunity to complete a line review with industry retail buyers.
ARE BRANDS GUARANTEED TO GET INTO RETAIL AFTER PARTICIPATING?
While RICE’s RRA equips brands with essential skills and knowledge, we do not guarantee immediate entry into the retail market. Success hinges on market conditions, competition, and the participant’s brand execution. Though immediate success is not guaranteed, RRA will significantly boost readiness, positioning participants for retail opportunities.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE RETAIL PARTNERS?
Partners like PayPal, Walmart, Target, UPS and several others collaborate with RICE to provide brands with the resources they need for retail success.
Stay Connected
