Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
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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
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.
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
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
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.
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504 Fair Street, S. W
Atlanta, GA
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