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
SUPPLY CHAIN ACCELERATOR?
The Supply Chain Accelerator at RICE is designed for Black entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step of doing business with Fortune 500 companies or government agencies. The program focuses on contract readiness and goes beyond education to equity, presenting participants with exponential contracting opportunities. The program has reverse-engineered the contract acquisition process and works directly with corporations to create more access and equity in purchasing and procurement for Black entrepreneurs. The program is immersive and expert-driven, facilitated by key partners who provide industry insights and tailored technical assistance to growth-stage Stakeholder businesses addressing their specific needs.  Â
WHO IS IT FOR?
The Supply Chain Accelerator program is designed for companies offering products and services, aiming to enhance their comprehension and expertise in supply chain management.
WHEN DOES IT START?
Applications for the Supply Chain Accelerator Program open on December 2, 2024, and the program begins in January 2025.
The Supply Chain Accelerator Program spans over 20 weeks with intermittent breaks incorporated throughout the duration of the program.
HOW ARE COMPANIES SELECTED?
The selection committee evaluates the distinctiveness of each applicant’s company, their proficiency in supplier management, and their dedication to learning and development.
Our objective is to assemble a cohort of dynamic and diverse entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about utilizing the program’s resources and seizing its opportunities.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
As a RICE Stakeholder, joining our Supply Chain Accelerator program means unlocking unparalleled opportunities for your business. Benefit from tailored mentorship, invaluable industry insights, and strategic networking connections that pave the way for unprecedented success in the dynamic realm of supply chain management. Our accelerator is not just a program; it’s a collaborative ecosystem fostering innovation, sustainability, and accelerated growth. Seize the chance to elevate your business to new heights by becoming part of a vibrant community that propels startups into the forefront of the supply chain landscape.
 The  goal of the Supply Chain Accelerator program’s goals are to establish long-term sustainable partnerships with corporations, meet stakeholders where they are and take them to the next level of their business growth, utilize a customized development approach that addresses each Stakeholder’s specific business and capacity-building needs, mentor and coach stakeholders to build organizational capacity, assist stakeholders to strategically position their companies to acquire corporate and government contracts, and create certified businesses.Â
Join us at RICE, where your supply chain success story begins!Â
Training & support from industry leaders and experts. ​​
Secure direct funding for certifications .
Contract opportunities with the RICE Marketplace and e-Commerce Platform.
Showcase services or products directly Fortune 100 companies.​
WHAT WILL BUSINESSES GET OUT OF IT?
What are companies are guaranteed to get after participating in the Supply Chain Accelerator Program?
The Supply Chain Accelerator program provides companies with vital skills and knowledge, but we do not promise immediate corporate or government contracts. Success depends on market conditions, competition, and the participant’s business execution.
While immediate success cannot be guaranteed, SCA will greatly enhance readiness, positioning participants for contracting opportunities.
WHO YOU WILL BE ENGAGING WITH IN THE SCA PROGRAM?
The faculty for this unique opportunity includes supply chain experts and decision-makers from key partners such as:
- Amazon
- Walt Disney Company
- Clorox
- UPS
- Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative
- Jabian Consulting
- King & Spalding
- Target
- Chase
- Wells Fargo
- US Bank
- Bank of America
- Truist
- Mastercard
- Village Micro Fund
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