The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), an economic development agency based out of Atlanta, announced the latest cohort of its Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) initiative.
RRA is a seven-month program designed to help Black-owned, product-based businesses succeed in the competitive retail industry.
Running from July through December 2025, the initiative provides participants with a $5,000 small business grant, as well as access to an exclusive curriculum, mentorship from retail experts and review opportunities with various retailers.
According to RICE, this year’s cohort consists of entrepreneurs from a wide-range of industries including health and beauty, food and beverage, home goods, wearable tech and toys, to name a few.
“RRA is a strategic launchpad,” said Terri-Nichelle Bradley, faculty lead of RRA and founder of Brown Toy Box. “We’re helping founders go from product to shelf with confidence, clarity and real opportunity.”
Since its inception, RICE has generated $114 million in stakeholder revenue and awarded $2.7 million in grant funding for small businesses.
Additionally, the innovation center says that it has helped create over 1,300 jobs and sports a 46% success rate when it comes to getting entrepreneurs past the startup phase — which is nearly ten times higher than the national average, according to a release.
“The Russell Center is where big ideas become shelf-ready brands,” said Jay Bailey, president and chief executive officer of RICE. “These founders represent the next wave of retail disruptors, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
