Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs: Where Atlanta’s entrepreneurs go to build Big IDEAS
Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs equips overlooked and underestimated entrepreneurs with the access, resources, and community they need to grow stronger businesses.
How Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs supports small businesses in the United States
- According to the Small Business Administration, more than 30% of small businesses fail by their second year. The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is working to change that. As the largest business support hub in Atlanta, RICE exists to equip often overlooked entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and capital they need to grow resilient businesses.
- RICE launched in 2016 and, by 2019, had expanded into full-scale programming to help entrepreneurs grow from idea to scale. In addition to direct funding, the center provides expert mentorship, wraparound services, and a path to sustainable business growth — all with the goal of job creation and economic mobility.
Program overview
Our work together
- With Mastercard Strive USA’s support, RICE is scaling its Big IDEAS curriculum — Inspire, Develop, Execute, Accelerate, and Scale. This flagship program provides entrepreneurs with a two-year, in-house studio experience designed to equip them with a clear action plan and the resources to grow.
- Participants receive hands-on mentorship from successful growth-stage businesses known as “Pacesetters” — companies generating over $1 million in annual revenue. They also gain access to funding opportunities, legal and financial services, and one-on-one support from partners like Google, Chase Bank, Accenture, and King & Spalding. Together, RICE and Mastercard Strive USA are investing in entrepreneurs whose businesses have the potential to create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to Atlanta’s long-term prosperity.
This partnership also includes direct small business grants for entrepreneurs demonstrating financial need.
By the numbers
RICE serves more than 1,000 businesses annually
Our goal
To help entrepreneurs scale their businesses and create jobs
By the numbers
Become a partner
Interested in being a partner for change?
Together we can empower millions of small businesses globally with innovative digital solutions that boost resilience, growth, and inclusion. Your organization's expertise can help bring impactful programs to scale, deepen local reach, and create meaningful change in the small business ecosystem. Be part of a vibrant partner community driving real economic impact.
Elise Robinson
Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)At the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, we believe access changes everything. Mastercard Strive USA’s support helps us turn that belief into action—expanding programs, deepening our impact, and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and visibility they need to thrive in today’s economy.
Related programs
Washington Area Community Investment Fund: Laying the groundwork for a more connected small business ecosystem in Washington, DC
Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is a CDFI that drives economic opportunity in the Washington, D.C.
CAMEO Network: Strengthening the U.S. small business support infrastructure through a national network of lenders and advisors
CAMEO is a coalition of 400+ mission-based lenders, CDFIs, business support organizations, and technical assistance providers.
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs: Building statewide access to patient capital and support for Georgia’s small businesses
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) is a nonprofit and CDFI that provides capital, coaching, and connections to help borrowers create and grow sustainable businesses.
Scale Link & LoanWell: Closing the small business financing gap with an all-in-one lending solution
Scale Link & LoanWell partnered to build a technology platform that matched small businesses seeking capital in North Carolina with local Community Development Financial Institutions.
Urban Impact: Strengthening Birmingham, Alabama’s small business ecosystem from the ground up
Urban Impact is a nonprofit organization committed to removing barriers for underserved entrepreneurs in Birmingham, Alabama.
Scale Link: Rewriting the economics of loans under $100,000
Scale Link helps to build and grow the secondary market for community lenders by bundling CDFI microloans and selling them to banks.
Heartland Forward: Real-time insights powering economic growth in the heartland
Heartland Forward is a nonprofit think-and-do tank with a mission to accelerate economic growth in the middle of the country.
National Urban League: A national model for workforce advancement
The National Urban League works to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.
Opportunity Finance Network: Scaling small business lending through CDFI-led innovation
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the leading national network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and a financial intermediary.
Nest: Growing the U.S. craft economy through maker-centered business support
Nest addresses the unique needs of artisans and makers, prioritizing their well-being, their communities, and their business interests.
Birmingham Business Resource Center: Strengthening Alabama’s small business ecosystem
The Birmingham Business Resource Center is a “one-stop-shop” designed to assist entrepreneurs in every stage of development of their business.
Our Village United: Investing in the health of both the small business and the business owner
Our Village United (OVU) supports the growth of solopreneurs and microbusinesses by delivering targeted technical assistance and shared professional services.
CNote: Unlocking capital for underserved communities through innovative data and technology
CNote makes impact investing easier by connecting capital to mission-driven financial institutions.
Next Street: Building a digital concierge service for small businesses
Next Street provides end-to-end solutions – powered by proprietary technology, national networks, and industry expertise.
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs: Investing in the strength and scale of Black-led CDFIs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs empowers Black CDFI CEO members to lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.
One Million Dreams Foundation: A new path to generational wealth
One Million Dreams Foundation provides tools, resources, and mentorship for entrepreneurs so they can scale their business and generate new economic opportunities.
Appalachian Community Capital: Building financial resilience where it’s needed most
Appalachian Community Capital is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution that is focused on attracting new sources of capital for small businesses.
Low Income Investment Fund: Strengthening childcare businesses, strengthening communities
The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) is a nonprofit community development financial institution that mobilizes capital and partnerships to expand access to funding.
Small Firm Diaries, USA: Understanding how small businesses really work — and what they need to grow
Small Firm Diaries, USA is a two-year study, led by the Financial Access Initiative at NYU Wagner and EA Consultants.
Right to Start: Advancing entrepreneurship as a civic priority across the United States
Right to Start is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that seeks to expand entrepreneurial opportunity for all.
Hyphen: Advancing access to capital access through a national public-private partnership
Hyphen catalyzes multi-sector partnerships, leverages philanthropic leadership and resources, and deploys strategic communications to address urgent needs facing entrepreneurs.
Ascend: Supporting growing medium-sized businesses in Atlanta — and beyond
Ascend is a national network of local ecosystems that provides resources and market access to growing businesses.
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA: Powering small business growth by modernizing community lending
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions.
Accessity: Expanding access to credit for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs
Accessity is a Community Development Financial Institution focused on providing economic opportunity to entrepreneurs in Southern California.
