Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Atlanta's home for entrepreneurs! Part Business Generator. Accelerator. Innovation Lab. RICE Russell.
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RICE is a business generator serving metro Atlanta, created to support Black entrepreneurs in overcoming the unique barriers they face in building thriving businesses. At 54,000 square feet, RICE is the largest center of its kind in the United States. Our BIG IDEAS model meets every business owner where they are on their journey, fortifying them with a community of support, increasing access and e

xposure, focused on transformational change . RICE honors the legacy and visionary leadership of one the greatest entrepreneurs the city of Atlanta ever produced, the late great Herman J.

05/07/2026

May’s First Friday was more than an event — it was a celebration of entrepreneurship. ✨

In honor of National Small Business Month, we gathered to celebrate the entrepreneurs, small business owners, leaders, and community partners who are building, growing, and creating impact every day.

We were honored to welcome a dynamic lineup of leaders and changemakers, including a special appearance from Mayor Andre Dickens, and an impactful panel featuring:�

• Mayor Beverly Burks, City of Clarkston, GA�
• Councilwoman Eshé P. Collins, Esq., Atlanta City Council, Director at SEF�
• Karen Leone de Nie, VP of Community Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta�
• Tai Roberson, Senior VP, Philanthropy & Community, Wells Fargo Foundation

Thank you to every entrepreneur, speaker, partner, and attendee who showed up ready to learn, connect, and build alongside us. The energy in the building was unforgettable.

At RICE, we believe access changes everything — and First Fridays continue to create space where small businesses are seen, supported, and strengthened.

🎥 Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from May’s First Friday at RICE.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a child’s eyes meet the eyes of a leader and they see a reflection ...
05/06/2026



There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a child’s eyes meet the eyes of a leader and they see a reflection of themselves. Watching these two little girls share space with the Mayors of Clarkston and Atlanta isn't just a highlight of First Friday—it is the very 'why' behind everything we do at RICE.

We aren't just building businesses; we are planting seeds of possibility. When we bridge the gap between where a child stands today and where our leaders stand now, we give them permission to dream without borders. Moments like this remind us that our greatest legacy isn't what we build, but who we empower to build next.

“I believe you have to be willing to be misunderstood if you're going to innovate.” — Jeff BezosInnovation requires more...
05/04/2026

“I believe you have to be willing to be misunderstood if you're going to innovate.” — Jeff Bezos

Innovation requires more than great ideas—it requires resilience. The kind that allows you to move forward even when others don’t fully see your vision yet.

At the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, we are surrounded by founders who embody this daily. They are building, testing, refining—and often doing so before the world catches up.

If you’re in a season where your vision isn’t fully understood yet, keep going. That tension is often a sign that you’re creating something truly new. We're here to keep you motivated, moving, and growing!

04/16/2026

April’s First Friday was one for the books 🌱✨

We had an incredible time bringing together our valued partners, speakers, stakeholders, and the entire RICE community under one roof to explore what sustainability looks like in action. From thoughtful conversations to powerful insights, every moment reflected the impact we can make when we move with intention and collaborate with purpose.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, poured in, and continues to grow with us—we’re building something meaningful together.

We can’t wait to see you at our next First Friday on May 1st as we celebrate Small Business Month.

This event is free and open to the community!
🎉 Register to secure your spot today: https://forms.monday.com/forms/1950851fdbc24f7026565d4e9388c262?r=use1

04/16/2026

This , meet Andeshia Catore Grant, widely known as Chef Catore.

Her journey is nothing short of powerful—overcoming a tumor, two battles with cancer, and growing up in foster care. And through it all, she never stopped striving for excellence.

Her resilience and undeniable talent have opened doors many thought were out of reach, including being featured as the chef for March’s First Fridays at RICE.

Her story is a reminder: hardship doesn’t define you—how you rise from it does.

Tap into this week’s to hear her story. 👏🏾✨

🌿 Rooted in Resilience | First Fridays @ RICEThe First Friday Workshop Series is the flagship monthly education and enga...
03/18/2026

🌿 Rooted in Resilience | First Fridays @ RICE

The First Friday Workshop Series is the flagship monthly education and engagement experience at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)—designed to reduce the struggles small business owners face and accelerate growth.

Each month, we bring together 200+ entrepreneurs, 8–10 expert-led workshops, and corporate leaders from companies like BlackRock, The Atlanta Hawks, Fiserv, and Bank OZK—bridging corporate insight with real entrepreneurial ex*****on.

This April, as part of our Earth Month Series, we center the theme: Rooted in Resilience. 🌍

Because building something sustainable and meaningful requires strong foundations, intentionality, and the ability to grow through challenge.

Join us for a full day of strategy, insight, and connection featuring:�
• Channing Baker, President & CEO of Evolve Contractors�
• Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Atlanta

From marketing, capital strategy to AI, legal, and operations—this is where ideas turn into action and vision turns into growth.

📅 Friday, April 3�
🕙 10AM–5PM | Doors open at 9:30AM�
📍 RICE | Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

Come get rooted. Leave more resilient.

🔗 Register now: https://forms.monday.com/forms/1e19cbbcf00f6550840bf764add29d3b?r=use1

Entrepreneurs know the feeling.Thirsty for knowledge.Thirsty for opportunity.Thirsty for community.At RICE, we’re buil...
03/12/2026



Entrepreneurs know the feeling.

Thirsty for knowledge.
Thirsty for opportunity.
Thirsty for community.

At RICE, we’re building the space where ambition meets access—and where entrepreneurs can refuel, connect, and keep building what’s next.

What are you thirsty for in your business right now? Let us know in the comments.

n

03/10/2026



“The best ideas rarely happen in isolation.”

Moments like this are exactly why we gather.

At First Fridays, founders, partners, and innovators come together to share insights, challenge perspectives, and spark new ideas.

Because sometimes the breakthrough you need happens in a room full of people building alongside you.

🌆 | The Week Ahead in AtlantaAtlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is always moving — and this week brings new opportuni...
03/08/2026

🌆 | The Week Ahead in Atlanta

Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is always moving — and this week brings new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside the city’s innovators and builders.

From networking mixers and speed networking to succession planning workshops and celebrations of entrepreneurial impact, these events bring together founders, professionals, and leaders from across the city.

If you’re looking to expand your network, sharpen your strategy, or simply be in the room where ideas and opportunity meet, this week has something for you.

Take a look, mark your calendar, and step into the spaces where Atlanta’s business community gathers.

Save this post, share it with another entrepreneur, and we’ll see you back here next Sunday with what’s next.

📅 Two weeks. Five opportunities to grow.At the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, every week brings opportunit...
03/08/2026

📅 Two weeks. Five opportunities to grow.

At the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, every week brings opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside Atlanta’s entrepreneurial community.

From group coaching and strategic partnerships to design thinking workshops and wellness experiences, our upcoming sessions are designed to equip founders with the tools, insight, and community needed to move their businesses forward.

Here’s what’s ahead:
✨ Group Coaching: Strategy Over Stress�💡 Tech Tuesday: Design Thinking Mini Camp (Week 2 & 3)�🧘🏾‍♀️ Ladies of R&B Pilates Session�🤝 Think Tank Thursdays: The Art of Strategic Partnership

Whether you're building your first venture or scaling your next chapter, there’s a seat for you at RICE.

📍 Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs�
🔗 Visit russellcenter.org for full details and registration.

Address

504 Fair Street, S. W
Atlanta, GA
30313

Website

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/V1VG4U3SSZC-HJKuckqHJg?_x_zm_rtaid=JejK9RvHRWi7uMwl

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