Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE): A Local Guide for Atlanta Creators and Innovors

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is one of Atlanta’s most notable hubs for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city’s business corridor, or are exploring opportunities to grow a venture here, RICE is a place you’ll likely hear about.

Located in the heart of the city’s historic Black business district, RICE blends workspace, mentorship, community, and programming under one roof to help entrepreneurs build and scale companies from Atlanta to the world.

What Is the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs?

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs is a large, dedicated space focused on supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Atlanta. It is named in honor of Herman J. Russell, a legendary Atlanta business leader and developer whose company helped shape much of the city’s skyline.

RICE operates as:

• A business innovation center
• A community hub for Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
• A support space for early-stage and growth-stage founders
• A bridge between corporate partners and local small businesses

While its mission is centered on Black entrepreneurship, many Atlantans engage with RICE in different ways—as founders, mentors, corporate partners, event attendees, students, and interested community members.

Where RICE Is Located in Atlanta

RICE sits near downtown Atlanta, in an area with deep roots in Black business and civil rights history.

Typical location details:

• Area: Near downtown / Atlanta University Center corridor
• Surroundings: Close to major Atlanta landmarks, HBCUs, and historic neighborhoods
• Feel: Urban, accessible, and designed as a community-focused campus rather than a traditional office building

Because locations, suites, and campus footprints can evolve, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest address, hours, parking, and visitor policies directly with RICE before you go.

Who RICE Is For

RICE is designed primarily for:

• Black entrepreneurs and founders based in or connected to Atlanta
• Small business owners looking to scale beyond a solo operation
• Startups and growth-stage companies seeking structured support
• Creative professionals and innovators (tech, product, service, media, food, and more)
• College students and recent graduates interested in entrepreneurship
• Corporate and civic partners that want to support inclusive economic growth in Atlanta

You do not need to be a tech founder to find value here. Many Atlanta entrepreneurs using RICE are in:

• Professional services (consulting, marketing, design, accounting)
• Consumer products (food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle brands)
• Construction, trades, and commercial services
• Creative industries and media
• Tech, software, and innovation-focused ventures

What You Can Do at RICE

1. Attend Entrepreneur-Focused Events and Workshops

RICE regularly hosts programs, talks, and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen their skills. These may include:

• Business model and strategy sessions
• Branding and marketing workshops
• Finance, bookkeeping, and funding basics
• Legal and compliance overviews for small businesses
• Panels with Atlanta-based founders and industry experts

Many Atlantans use these events as a first step into the RICE community—especially those who are still validating a business idea or exploring entrepreneurship.

2. Join as a Member or Venture

RICE runs structured programming for entrepreneurs, often organized into cohorts or tiers based on stage:

• Idea-stage / early-stage founders
• Revenue-generating small businesses
• Growing companies ready to hire or scale

If accepted, members may have access to:

• Dedicated workspace or shared environments
• Regular coaching/mentorship sessions
• Introductions to local corporate partners, banks, and resource providers
• Peer support from a community of other Atlanta founders

Application requirements, fees (if any), and expectations can change, so it’s important to get the latest information directly from RICE.

3. Use the Space for Work and Collaboration

RICE’s campus is designed as a working lab for entrepreneurs rather than just a conference center. Depending on your relationship with the organization, you may find:

• Shared workspaces and collaboration zones
• Meeting rooms for client or investor conversations
• Event spaces for demos, pitches, or brand activations
• Areas that highlight Atlanta-made products and brands

Some areas may be open only to approved ventures or partners, while others might be accessible during specific public events. Policies vary, so checking in advance is important.

4. Connect With Atlanta’s Business Ecosystem

For Atlanta-based entrepreneurs, one of RICE’s biggest draws is its network:

• Local banking and finance contacts
• Corporate innovation and supplier diversity teams
• Professional services (legal, accounting, HR, marketing)
• Other founders at similar or more advanced stages

This network can support:

• Supplier opportunities with large Atlanta companies
• Pilot programs and product testing
• Partnerships and collaborations within the city
• Warm introductions that are often difficult to get as a solo founder

Key Features at a Glance

Here’s a simple snapshot of what the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs typically offers:

How RICE Fits Into Atlanta’s “Things to Do”

Although RICE is primarily a business and innovation center, it also appears in “things to do” and “attractions” lists because:

• It’s part of Atlanta’s story around Black entrepreneurship, civil rights, and economic mobility.
• The facility hosts public and semi-public events, panels, and showcases.
• Visitors interested in Atlanta’s business culture and future growth see it as a modern landmark, much like historic sites tied to earlier generations of Black business leaders.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and:

• You’re an entrepreneur or work in innovation,
• You’re interested in inclusive economic development, or
• You want to learn about Atlanta’s Black business ecosystem,

then attending a public event, talk, or tour (when offered) at RICE can be an engaging and meaningful stop.

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit

Here are practical steps if you want to connect with or visit the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs:

1. Check Public Events in Advance

RICE often hosts events that require:

• Advance RSVP or registration
• Security or check-in at the entrance
• Participation through a partner organization or program

If you’re new, look for events that are clearly labeled as open to the public or community-focused.

2. Confirm Visitor Policies and Hours

Because RICE is an active work environment for member businesses, general walk-in access can be limited or structured. Before heading over, it’s wise to:

• Confirm building hours
• Ask if there are guided tours, open houses, or orientation sessions
• Check whether you need to be on a guest list for a specific event

3. Plan Your Transportation

RICE is centrally located, so you can typically reach it by:

• Car: Expect urban traffic patterns, especially during rush hours and major events downtown. Street or lot parking may be limited, so plan extra time.
• Public transit: Some entrepreneurs and students use MARTA (train or bus) plus a short walk or rideshare.
• Rideshare/taxis: Convenient for out-of-town visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, or at the airport.

If you are scheduling important meetings there, building in a timing buffer is wise, especially during peak Atlanta traffic periods.

4. Bring What You Need to Network

Many Atlantans treat a RICE visit as a networking opportunity. Consider having:

• A clear one-sentence description of what you do
• Business cards or a scannable contact method
• A concise list of what you’re looking for (funding, partners, suppliers, mentors, etc.)

Being prepared helps you get more out of conversations with staff, mentors, and fellow founders.

How RICE Relates to Other Atlanta Entrepreneur Resources

If you’re exploring the broader “things to do” in Atlanta as an entrepreneur, RICE often sits alongside other ecosystem resources and neighborhoods, such as:

• Atlanta University Center (AUC) institutions (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Spelman) that contribute talent and ideas
• Downtown and Midtown innovation spaces that host tech meetups and industry events
• Local government and nonprofit small business resource providers that support permits, licensing, and early-stage guidance

For many founders, a typical path might be:

1. Start with online learning and general small business resources.
2. Attend local meetups and workshops—RICE is often on this list.
3. Apply to a program or cohort at RICE or a similar Atlanta hub.
4. Use contacts from those experiences to grow into new partnerships or funding options.

RICE plays a distinctive role by centering Black entrepreneurship while connecting to the broader citywide ecosystem.

Is RICE Right for You?

You may want to explore RICE more deeply if:

• You are a Black entrepreneur in Atlanta and want community, structure, and support.
• You operate a small business and feel ready to grow beyond “doing it all yourself.”
• You’re a student or young professional curious about starting a company in Atlanta.
• You work for a corporation or civic organization and want to support inclusive innovation.
• You’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience a living example of the city’s modern business culture.

Atlanta’s identity is closely tied to entrepreneurship and Black leadership. The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs represents how that legacy is being carried forward today—through real companies, real founders, and real work happening every day in the city.