Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta: What It Is and How It Works

If you’ve heard people in Atlanta mention the Russell Center or RICE and wondered what it actually is, you’re not alone. For many local founders, creatives, and professionals, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta has become a major hub for business support and community connection—especially for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses.

This guide walks you through what the Russell Center is, where it’s located, who it’s for, and how someone in Atlanta can actually plug in.

What Is the Russell Center in Atlanta?

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is a large entrepreneurship center in Atlanta focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators.

It combines:

• Co-working and office-style space
• Programs, mentoring, and training
• Networking and community events
• Connections to corporate partners and resources

The center is named in honor of Herman J. Russell, an Atlanta business leader whose construction and real estate companies helped shape much of the city’s skyline.

While the focus is on Black entrepreneurship, many programs and events are relevant to a broader audience of small business owners and innovators in metro Atlanta.

Where Is the Russell Center Located?

The Russell Center is based in the heart of Atlanta’s Westside, close to Downtown and the Atlanta University Center.

Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
504 Fair Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30313

This area is convenient for:

• Downtown workers and students (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, AUC colleges)
• Entrepreneurs on the Westside and Southside who want a central hub
• Visitors exploring Atlanta’s civil rights history and business community

Parking options, public transit access, and entry details can change, so it’s a good idea to check current visitor information before you go or call ahead if you’re planning a first-time visit.

What Does the Russell Center Offer?

The exact mix of services can evolve, but most Atlanta residents experience the Russell Center through a combination of space, programming, and connections.

1. Entrepreneur Support & Programs

Many people go to the Russell Center for business-building support, such as:

• Workshops and classes on topics like:
  • Business planning and strategy
  • Branding and marketing
  • Financial basics for small businesses
  • Pitching and investor readiness
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced business leaders
• Cohort-style programs where selected entrepreneurs go through a structured learning journey together

These programs are usually geared toward early-stage and growing businesses based in Atlanta or metro Atlanta, especially those led by Black entrepreneurs.

2. Workspace and Meeting Space

The Russell Center includes:

• Collaborative work areas suitable for laptop work, calls, and small meetings
• Conference rooms for presentations or team meetings
• Event spaces used for panels, pitch nights, networking events, and community gatherings

For many founders, especially those not yet ready for a long-term lease, the Russell Center can be a way to access professional space in a central Atlanta location.

3. Networking and Community Events

One of the biggest local draws of the Russell Center is its community. Depending on the schedule, you might find:

• Networking nights and mixers for entrepreneurs and professionals
• Speaker events featuring Atlanta-based business leaders
• Panels and fireside chats on topics like scaling a business, navigating corporate partnerships, or building generational wealth

These events can be valuable if you’re trying to:

• Meet other Black founders in Atlanta
• Connect with potential mentors or partners
• Learn from local success stories

Who Is the Russell Center For?

While every program has its own eligibility criteria, the Russell Center generally focuses on:

• Black and minority entrepreneurs in Atlanta
• Small business owners at early or growth stages
• Innovators and creators with business ideas they want to formalize
• Students and recent grads interested in entrepreneurship
• Professionals who support small businesses (consultants, service providers, etc.)

If you live in Atlanta or plan to build a business here, the Russell Center can be relevant to you if:

• You have a business or serious side hustle based in or serving metro Atlanta
• You’re looking for support beyond online resources—in-person guidance, local mentors, and real community
• You want to plug into the Black business ecosystem in the city

Russell Center vs. Other Atlanta Business Resources

Atlanta has several entrepreneurship hubs and support organizations. The Russell Center fits into that ecosystem with a specific focus and identity.

Here is a simple comparison-style overview:

*Examples of other resources include general small business development centers, chambers of commerce, and innovation labs not tied to a specific demographic focus.

For many Atlanta entrepreneurs, the Russell Center is one piece of a larger support network that might also include:

• Local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices
• City of Atlanta small business resources
• Neighborhood chambers or professional groups

How to Get Involved with the Russell Center in Atlanta

If you’re in or around Atlanta and want to connect with the Russell Center, here are typical ways people get started.

1. Attend an Event

Many locals first experience the Russell Center by going to an open event, such as:

• Public networking sessions
• Panel discussions or speaker series
• Community or partner-hosted events on-site

These are good for:

• Getting a feel for the space and culture
• Meeting other entrepreneurs and professionals
• Learning what types of programs might fit your needs

Tip: Arrive a little early to find parking, check in at the front desk if required, and have a few sentences prepared about who you are and what your business does.

2. Explore Programs and Membership Options

Depending on the current structure, you may find:

• Application-based cohorts for more intensive support
• Membership or participation models that give ongoing access to space and resources
• Specialized tracks (for example, product-based businesses, tech ventures, or service providers)

Look for:

• Which programs are open now
• Any eligibility criteria (location, stage of business, demographic focus)
• Time commitment and expectations

It’s common for applicants to be asked for:

• A description of the business or business idea
• Basic information about revenue or stage
• Your goals and reasons for wanting to join

3. Use the Center as a Connection Point

Even if you never formally join a structured program, the Russell Center can be a hub for connections. Atlanta founders often use it to:

• Meet other entrepreneurs to collaborate with
• Find service providers like designers, accountants, or marketers who understand local needs
• Connect with corporate or institutional partners that support the center’s work

If you’re shy about networking, consider:

• Attending smaller workshops where conversation flows more naturally
• Introducing yourself to staff or volunteers and asking, “Who here works in [your industry] that I should meet?”

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re planning to interact with the Russell Center in person, a few practical points can help.

Getting There

The Russell Center is on Fair Street SW, near the Atlanta University Center. Locals often access it by:

• Driving from Downtown, Midtown, Westside, or Southside
• Using ride-shares or taxis
• Combining MARTA rail or bus with a short walk or rideshare leg

Traffic patterns around Downtown and the Westside can be busy, especially during rush hours and on game days or major events. Allow extra time if you have a scheduled appointment or event start time.

What to Bring

For most visits, it’s helpful to bring:

• A notebook or laptop for capturing ideas or contacts
• Business cards or a digital contact-sharing method
• A clear, short description of:
  • Who you are
  • What your business or idea is
  • What kind of help or connection you’re looking for

How the Russell Center Fits into the Atlanta Business Landscape

If you’re trying to understand “where the Russell Center sits” in the broader picture of Atlanta:

• Think of it as a specialized entrepreneurship hub with a strong cultural and historical identity, anchored in Black business excellence.
• It is not a government office, but it often works in partnership or alignment with other civic, corporate, and nonprofit efforts to support small businesses.
• It reflects a growing emphasis in Atlanta on equity in entrepreneurship, aiming to make sure more people have access to the relationships and resources that help businesses grow.

Is the Russell Center Right for You?

If you’re in Atlanta and you:

• Are a Black entrepreneur or minority business owner
• Want in-person community, not just online advice
• Need structure, mentorship, or space to grow your business
• Care about being part of a locally rooted, mission-driven ecosystem

then the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta is likely worth exploring.

Even if you’re just visiting the city and interested in its business and cultural scene, the Russell Center offers a window into how Atlanta is investing in the next generation of local founders.