Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

A huge shoutout to everyone who pulled up for our RICE Info Sessions! 🙌🏾 Our third session was huge success, with over 150 future Black business leaders in the building, all eager to explore how RICE is leveling up the game for Black entrepreneurship. The vibe was unmatched as aspiring and thriving business owners tapped into the power of our community, connecting, learning, and building the future of Black business together. And we’re just getting started! We can't wait to usher in the next wave of visionaries and innovators. Stay locked in for more updates and big announcements. Ready to build and grow your empire? Join the Russell Center and become part of the movement! 💪🏾✨ #RICECommunity #BlackExcellence #BuildBlackBusiness #Entrepreneurship #JoinTheMovement Shawn M. Graham, CPA Paul Mayberry

Another dope moment in the books! There's always something magical happening at RICE. Last Friday during our Annual Black Friday Block Party, we announced the winners of the RICE Transformation Week grants. This was a celebration of the remarkable RICE Stakeholders that have demonstrated exceptional growth and innovation in their businesses, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements. Transformation Week was all about showcasing the real impact of our Big IDEAS program. Stakeholders shared how they’ve applied their learnings to elevate their skills, knowledge, and performance. From presentations and demonstrations to powerful testimonials, this weeklong event highlighted the incredible progress they've made. After careful review by a panel of RICE partners, we’re excited to congratulate our top winners: 1st Place: $10K - Amia Mize, Takes A Village Transportation LLC 2nd Place: $5K - Averri Liggins, Black Women Moguls 3rd Place: $2.5K - Tope Mitchell PhD, Reflekt Me This is what it means to Build Black Business the RICE Way! #UncommonAccess #RICEReady #BuildBlackBusiness

New RICE Stakeholder Info Session - Day One What an exciting turnout here at the Russell Center! With over 150 potential Stakeholders in attendance, the energy in the room was undeniable. Everyone was eager to learn more about joining our thriving community of entrepreneurs! Black Excellence Lives HERE. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for what’s next! #RICEStakeholders #EntrepreneurshipJourney #RICEInfoSession

What a great time visiting Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs last week with Shannon Watkins Lacrecia C. and James C. - thank you Jay Bailey Quintin Bostic, Ph.D. Shalon Brown and team for hosting us in our Fiserv room at RICE while updating us on all the phenomenal projects and programming you have going on - ONWARD TOGETHER! 💯💯💯 Bonus for getting to see RICE #stakeholders and superstar #CEOs Kris Hale of Dope Pieces Puzzle Company and Emmerse’s Val Barnett, DrPH(c), MHA #corporatecitizenship #shopsmall #clover #mainstreet #smalldiversebusiness #blackownedbusiness #supplierdiversity #procurement #economicempowerment

Thank you to everyone who attended the RICE Black Friday event! Your support made it a dynamic celebration of our community and highlighted the importance of backing Black-owned businesses. The event was not just a marketplace but a testament to the impact that collective support can have on local enterprises. By choosing to support RICE Stakeholders and Black-owned businesses, you contributed to a meaningful and memorable occasion. Stay tuned for more special event highlights! #RICEBlackFriday #SupportBlackBusinesses #RICEReady *we do not own the rights to this music*

Join us today from 3-9 PM, at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)! We are closing out National Black Business Month in style with our annual RICE Black Friday Block Party; an event that’s all about showcasing, supporting, and celebrating Black-owned businesses. What’s Black Friday at RICE? It’s more than a marketplace; it’s a vibrant community experience where you can shop from over 30 incredible vendors, enjoy live entertainment including Gritz and Jelly Butter and DJ Bad will be spinning on the 1’s and 2’s, enjoy play outdoor games, and feast on delicious food truck offerings. This is your chance to support RICE Stakeholders and businesses in our community! This is a family-friendly event so be sure to bring the kids, your lawn chairs, and come out for lots of fun in the sun! But Black Friday is more than just fun; it’s a key part of our mission to Build Black Business. We’re highlighting the economic impact of Black spending power and showing why RICE is the cornerstone for Black entrepreneurs. We’re also looking to recruit new Stakeholders who are ready to become “RICE Ready” through the unparalleled access and opportunities we provide. Get ready for an evening of unforgettable fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out—register now and let’s make this Black Friday Block Party one to remember! Register Here! https://lnkd.in/gAWGKXEG #ShopBlack #RICEReady #BuildBlackBusiness

We're counting down! Come out and support our #RICEStakeholders Join us tomorrow as we close out National Black Business Month in style with our annual RICE Black Friday Block Party; an event that’s all about showcasing, supporting, and celebrating Black-owned businesses.  This is your chance to support RICE Stakeholders and businesses in our community! This is a family-friendly event so be sure to bring the kids, your lawn chairs, and come out for lots of fun in the sun! Invite your friends and family, and get ready for an evening of unforgettable fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out—register now and let’s make this Black Friday Block Party one to remember!   https://lnkd.in/gAWGKXEG  #ShopBlack #RICEReady #BuildBlackBusiness

YOU’RE INVITED!! This Friday, August 30th, from 3-9 PM, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is the place to be! Join us as we close out National Black Business Month in style with our annual RICE Black Friday Block Party; an event that’s all about showcasing, supporting, and celebrating Black-owned businesses. What’s Black Friday at RICE? It’s more than a marketplace; it’s a vibrant community experience where you can shop from over 30 incredible vendors, enjoy live entertainment including Gritz and Jelly Butter and DJ Bad will be spinning on the 1’s and 2’s, enjoy play outdoor games, and feast on delicious food truck offerings. This is your chance to support RICE Stakeholders and businesses in our community! This is a family-friendly event so be sure to bring the kids, your lawn chairs, and come out for lots of fun in the sun! But Black Friday is more than just fun; it’s a key part of our mission to Build Black Business. We’re highlighting the economic impact of Black spending power and showing why RICE is the cornerstone for Black entrepreneurs. We’re also looking to recruit new Stakeholders who are ready to become “RICE Ready” through the unparalleled access and opportunities we provide. So, mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and get ready for an evening of unforgettable fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out—register now and let’s make this Black Friday Block Party one to remember! REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/gAWGKXEG #ShopBlack #RICEReady #BuildBlackBusiness

The countdown is on! We’re just days away from the ultimate celebration of Black business—of course celebrating #TheRICEWay This Friday, August 30th, from 3-9 PM, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is the place to be! Join us as we close out National Black Business Month in style with our annual RICE Black Friday Block Party; an event that’s all about showcasing, supporting, and celebrating Black-owned businesses. What’s Black Friday at RICE? It’s more than a marketplace; it’s a vibrant community experience where you can shop from over 30 incredible vendors, enjoy live entertainment including Gritz and Jelly Butter and DJ Bad will be spinning on the 1’s and 2’s, enjoy play outdoor games, and feast on delicious food truck offerings. This is your chance to support RICE Stakeholders and businesses in our community! This is a family-friendly event so be sure to bring the kids, your lawn chairs, and come out for lots of fun in the sun! But Black Friday is more than just fun; it’s a key part of our mission to Build Black Business. We’re highlighting the economic impact of Black spending power and showing why RICE is the cornerstone for Black entrepreneurs. We’re also looking to recruit new Stakeholders who are ready to become “RICE Ready” through the unparalleled access and opportunities we provide. So, mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and get ready for an evening of unforgettable fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out—register now and let’s make this Black Friday Block Party one to remember! REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/gAWGKXEG #ShopBlack #RICEReady #BuildBlackBusiness

At RICE, when we say we BUILD BLACK BUSINESS, we understand that we do it as a family. And when family calls, we answer. Right now, our Guru of community correspondence Ashley Scott and our Vice President of Data and Research,Malcolm Muhammad, PhD are a part of an incredible discussion at a family meeting hosted by The Gathering Spot and The Village Market ® It’s a powerful moment of coming together, sharing insights, and addressing the pressing issues that impact the communities we serve. Dr. Muhammad’s presence is adding valuable perspective to the conversation, reminding us all that building Black business is about more than just economic success—it’s about strengthening our communities and creating lasting legacies. Together, as a family, we’re making it happen. You can listen live on Fanbaseapp We’ll share more information and key takeaways from this important discussion very soon! #BUILDINGBLACKBUSINESS #Family #Community #RICEReady #UncommonAccess