ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney Experiences, formerly Disney Parks, hosted nearly 100 Black small business owners from the Atlanta-based Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida early this week, organizing an experience designed to equip emerging business leaders with the skills needed to generate a positive economic impact within their communities.

Attendants were lodged inside Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts for the duration of the trip, spending a majority of their afternoons and evenings alongside RICE leadership, stakeholders and members of Disney’s supply chain accelerator planning team. Each pupil “graduated” from the program on Wednesday, receiving a certificate of completion and a round of congratulations from Mickey Mouse himself.

As the lead financial sponsor of RICE’s Supply Chain Accelerator Program, Disney presented a slew of educational sessions and workshops for the team, one of which was developed and hosted by the company’s exterior training arm, Disney Institute, giving Black business owners first-hand experience in adopting the mindset needed to operate successful ventures.

Leaders from Disney Institute introduced a service-oriented approach to entrepreneurship through its teachings, emphasizing that great service is necessary to properly run a business, regardless of size or revenue. Cast members at Disney brought this notion of exemplary service to life through their kind and courteous treatment of RICE entrepreneurs and stakeholders over the course of the trip.

Disney Institute also invited the group to tour exclusive parts of Magic Kingdom Park on Tuesday afternoon, where attendees identified real-life examples of the managerial concepts taught during the institute’s training session.

Additionally, RICE-backed business owners heard from local Black vendors contracted with Disney on Wednesday, listening in on a panel about expanding business practices, working with big retailers and embracing authenticity when developing a brand—another popular takeaway from the seminar.

“That’s the power of storytelling,” said Lisa Williams, founder of multi-cultural doll company

World of EPI, about authenticity during the discussion. “Because we get to see who we are…”

While many of this year’s participating entrepreneurs returned from last year’s event, some business owners joined RICE leadership in Florida for the first time this week. 

Chantel Powell, stakeholder at RICE and founder and CEO of natural kids deodorant brand Play Pits, said that RICE’s trip to Orlando marked her first visit to Disney World since she was about 10 years old, giving her a chance to observe the parks from a new and refreshing perspective as both an adult and an entrepreneur.

“I remember nothing (about my last time at Disney),” Powell said. “So, to see it with these experienced, entrepreneurial eyes—oh, my God, it’s incredible. It’s truly magical.”

Powell also said that she’s previously worked jobs in customer service before switching gears to start her own business, so Disney’s lessons on providing excellent service to clients and consumers particularly resonated with her.

“I was an executive assistant. I worked as a wardrobe stylist and assistant costumer in film and TV,” Powell said. “So, I’m used to being of service to people…”

A select few attendees even visited the parks at Walt Disney World for the very first time. 

Chisom Eke, founder and CEO of skin-sensitive skincare company Overlooked Beauty, said she had preconceived notions before traveling to Disney World, but her first experience navigating Magic Kingdom and EPCOT completely exceeded her expectations.

“I thought it was going to be like your typical amusement park,” Eke said. “But (after) coming here and after going through some of the info sessions we went through earlier (today), I’m like, ‘This place is absolutely amazing.’”

Intentionality was a central theme from Tuesday’s session with Disney Institute, with instructors from the institute stating that business owners should lead both intentionally and professionally in order to sustain financial success and encourage loyalty from their consumers.

Eke said that the intentionality behind Disney World’s operations was evident throughout Tuesday’s tour and that she plans to incorporate many of the lessons she’s learned on this trip into running her own small business.

“I think it made the experience so much better, because I know that… (Disney) did everything with care and with the customer in mind,” Eke said. “That helps me with even my business.”

The Russell Center and Disney plan to partner to host the event again next year.

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ORLANDO, FL.- The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs publicized the launch of a virtual educational platform this week that, like its existing Supply Chain Accelerator Program, will offer exclusive insight on navigating the public and private business sectors to current and aspiring Black entrepreneurs.

Leadership from RICE announced the development of “Digital RICE” as well as the renewal of the organization’s partnership with Disney Experiences, Disney’s subsidiary overseeing all of the company’s theme parks located around the world, to a room of RICE business owners and stakeholders at an entrepreneurship retreat in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, December 11.

A portion of the funds from Disney will be used to advance RICE’s new online program. According to a press release from the Russell Center, this additional backing from Disney Experiences results in a financial contribution totaling more than $1 million.

“This didn’t exist two years ago,” said Paul Wilson, Jr., RICE’s vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship, about the partnership and RICE’s annual excursion to Disney World. “(Disney has) taken a liking to us in a very special way.”

Digital RICE will feature many of the entrepreneurial resources featured in existing physical programs, as well as a virtual, self-paced component that allows users to internalize concepts from lessons on their own time while appealing to a variety of student learning styles. Digital RICE serves as an expansion of the Russell Center’s existing supplier readiness training curriculum.

Burunda Prince, chief operating officer at RICE, said that the objective for both RICE and Disney through this partnership is to grow their respective businesses while learning to collaborate with companies of different sizes.

“There may be the opportunity for some of our companies to acquire Disney as a customer, but more importantly, you learn how you do business with a big corporation,” Prince said. “Because if you can be certified and qualified to do business with Disney, you can be certified and qualified to do business with Walmart, Target or any other major corporation.”

While RICE’s efforts to support entrepreneurs have traditionally been limited to the City of Atlanta, Disney’s sponsorship of Digital RICE will open the Russell Center’s resources to entrepreneurs in need of connections, education and guidance based all across the country.

Wilson said that the program will ultimately prepare business owners to engage and work with all kinds of companies, even those of Fortune 500 status.

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Five metro Atlanta entrepreneurs were just a little more thankful Thanksgiving week as they were surprised with a special donation from Wells Fargo Bank. 

The surprised donations were a part of the bank’s $1.5 million  investment into the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) for the new Wells Fargo Learning Center for entrepreneurs. The presentation was made during the center’s pop-up holiday market. 

“On behalf of the 3,000- plus employees in the Atlanta region, we are really proud to be a supporter of the Russell Innovation Center For Entrepreneurs. We were an inaugural supporter,” said Michael Donnelly, Wells Fargo North Georgia Regional President in announcing the next level donation.The bank shares in its mission to empower black entrepreneurs.” 

According to Wells Fargo executive Tai Roberson, senior VP, Philanthropy and Community Impact, the grant will provide mini-grants to RICE stakeholders (members and allow RICE to spread its reach beyond Atlanta and Georgia to assist over 10,000 entrepreneurs of color across the United States. 

The  investment will help to fund 50 small business micro grants for RICE stakeholders. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, will help eliminate significant barriers that hinder access to funds for these businesses, Roberson said. 

Wells Fargo asked management at RICE to select five of its entrepreneurs stakeholders to receive a surprise donation at the presentation. 

The stakeholders receiving the special donations were:

– KaCey Venning, co-founder of  HEY! Helping Empowered Youth which provides academic and educational services to Black youth in Atlanta. (helpingempoweryouth.org)

– Marsha Francis, founder of STE(A)M Truck is an innovative educational nonprofit that is helping to eliminate educational disparities with access to hands-on STEAM learning in local systems. (steamtruck.org)

– Evana & Zoe Oli, co-founders of Beautiful Curly Me is a brand that encourages young girls to love and be confident in who they are with dolls, books, and accessories.  For every doll purchased, one is given to an underserved girl. (beautifulcurlyme.com)

–  Louis Deas, CEO of Try Deas and Other Treats produces a variety of pecan and other nut treats. (trydeas.com)

– Tony Cruver, CEO of Cruvie Clothing Company which provides custom order embroidering on clothing. (cruvie.com)

“As a RICE Stakeholder, I’ve had the privilege of scaling my business in ways that I couldn’t imagine when we started,” shared Louis Deas, CEO of Try Deas & Other Treats. “Month after month, I’ve been able to access invaluable resources that have propelled my business forward and I’m excited for the opportunities that will come as a result of this investment.”

The other stakeholder businesses participating in the holiday pop-up market also received a surprise purchase of their products by the bank which had 25 members of its staff attending. 

Roberson thanked the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta for being good partners in Wells Fargo’s mission to advance and aid small businesses. 

The RICE grant is part of Wells Fargo’s $420 million Open For Business Fund which was started after the first two years of the pandemic. Some of it were funds received back from the federal government for COVID-19. The bank decided to take those funds and reinvest them into small businesses across the country. 

According to Donnelly, some of the successes from that OPEN FOR BUSINESS FUND, it has supported over 203 thousand small businesses to help create or preserve over over 254 thousand jobs. Of those businesses 73 percent were owned by racially or ethnically diverse individuals, 72 percent were low to moderate income. 

“The donation is consistent with our unwavering commitment to advance economic equity, to create more opportunities for small businesses and to be more clear to drive positive change. That is what we want to do and what we want to be known for,” Donnelly said. 

“As I look at the rendering for the new Wells Fargo Learning Lab, I know that there is a black architect that designed it, there’s going to be a black general contractor that builds it, there’s going to be a black contractor that will manage the program and a black technician that will install all of the equipment,” said RICE CEO Jay Bailey. 

“This is our space – unapologetically guys. The one place where we can come and have our conversations. Everything you see in this building is provided by black entrepreneurs,” he added. 

The Russell Innovation Center of Entrepreneurs (RICE) is located in the old headquarters of the Herman J. Russell Company located at 504 Fair Street, Atlanta, GA 30313.(russell center.org.) 

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Natasha Simmons, founder of Yacht Club Access, held an exclusive preview to her new upcoming Yacht Club Access Spring/Summer 2024 collection on Oct. 19. 

Founded on the principle of elevating fashion to an art form, Yacht Club Access isn’t just a luxury, sustainable swimwear resort brand, it’s a lifestyle. Each piece in Yacht Club’s exclusive collections embrace a diverse range of designs, from timeless classics that exude effortless elegance to bold and avant-garde creations that push the boundaries of swimwear fashion.  

Simmons was also a part of the Columbia Trade Mission trip where the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Columbia to enhance economic development, relationships, and global opportunities for international investment into Colombia.  

Simmons also sat down during the exclusive preview to speak with The Atlanta Voice to talk about the upcoming collection, being an entrepreneur, advice, and more. 

The Atlanta Voice: Yacht Club Access has had a very busy year, and now you’re planning to launch a brand-new collection the top of next year. What was the inspiration behind the new Spring/Summer 2024 collection? 

Natasha Simmons: The Yacht Club Access Spring/Summer 2024 collection was inspired last year went I went to Belize for my birthday, and the resort that I chose to stay at literally was in the middle of the jungle. I was surrounded around so much beautiful and colorful nature, like the hibiscus flowers, the leaves, etc. It was insane. Not only Babar was the new dog on boats, as they say, but just being there, waking up every day, and being engulfed into that nature and the vibrant colors and things like that. I wanted to incorporate those vibrant colors into my collection so people can feel how I feel when you’re engulfed with those colors. 

AV: How are you feeling about the exclusive preview and receiving love and support from peers who are special to you?  

NS: I was static. At first, I was nervous because I’m like, okay, is this enough, is this what people expect from me? Is this meeting the expectation of Yacht Club? And I even was playing “the devil’s advocate”, like you’re not doing enough. You should do more. You should do more. I’m like, no, I think this is good and then I was like, you know what? How about I take out all the guesswork and do a private preview of the collection and ask my peers how they feel about the collection. And so, the response was amazing. It was great and I feel good. I’ve taken a peek at some of the survey sheets, and the response is really good. So, I’m very happy and I’m excited. 

AV: What inspired you to create Yacht Club Access? 

NS: I have a four-year stint of modeling and acting, and at the time of when I started into the swimwear industry in 2016, the company was called Commitment Couture, and then COVID hit. So, I had time to sit and reevaluate my business. I’m like, okay, why is this not taking off? I know this is a great, I have a strategy, a great business and niche and I realized people couldn’t pronounce the name. So, I said, okay, well, how can I now incorporate the business and then include myself and my lifestyle? By the time 2020 came around, I was on my second day of dating a guy that owned an actual yacht. I was already a part of the yacht club life. I said to myself, let’s do a little research and see how I can play around. Like, is this really available? Did the research submit it for the trademark? Got it, but Yacht Club, that’s a saturated two words. How can I add on another where it’s a really hone-in what I’m trying to do here? So, I added the word “access” because at the end of the day, when people approach me and they see Yacht Club on my chest, I get to see their faces light up and then it immediately dims because they feel like they can’t afford it, or they can’t have access to that lifestyle. It’s my job to make sure, yes you can have access to the lifestyle.  

AV: You were on the trip with other Black entrepreneurs in Cali, Columbia for a historical trade mission, first of its kind, what did you take away from that trip and how did you apply it to your own business? 

NS: What I’ve learned is that taking that trip over to Columbia, it’s a different culture, totally different way they do business and with me learning their style of business, what I took from that is bits and pieces that I can incorporate in how I do business. So, I’ve always been the person when I go to a meeting, I need to be ready and prepared to answer whatever questions they have, make sure I have my stuff together, make sure I look the part this and that’s totally the wrong thing to do. According to their culture, they are more about relationship building, getting to know you and building upon what it is of the common denominator of what you are, the real reason why the relationship building even starts. You can be a multi-millionaire this and that, but there they really don’t care. They’re more concerned with who you are, where are you from, what values you have, and what key things that you hold dear to your heart. When I learned that, it made me feel great because that let me know with the advice that I would give someone who’s gearing up to go on an entrepreneurial journey. Being focused and really do a self-evaluation tells me that it’s right on target. 

AV: What are your business goals for the remainder of the year and beyond?  

NS: It’s funny because I’ve already accomplished all my goals for the year. So, it’s really like I get to enjoy the holiday this year. So, moving forward for 2024, it’s just capitalizing off of my efforts and my hard work and really honing-in on the sales, channels, and platforms that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of and partnership.  

AV: What do you think is the hardest part about being a business owner?  

NS: The hardest part is it takes forever. I, by nature, am a worker. I don’t mind working, strapping up my boots, and hitting the pavement. However, after you’ve spent many hours and days engulfed in something and then by two or three months later, you’re like, okay, but where’s the results? And there’s no results. That’s when the questioning yourself comes in and that’s when the doubts set in. It’s really the process of it. It’s a blessing and a curse within itself. Also, it’s what’s been of great value from what I’ve been learning and my process that has been coming to the forefront of my brain more recently is timing and a lot of what’s happening right now. I’ve been prepared for it years ago and now it’s happening, which only tells me instead of saying, Dang, I could have been did this two years ago and this could have happened three years ago. Instead of looking at it that way, I now can look at and say, yes, it’s my time now. My time is now. I need to now be able to take that big sigh and enjoy with where the level that I am.  

AV: What kind of advice do you have to other business owners and people that maybe want to start to start a business that they don’t know how to do or they’re struggling or any type of way? What kind of advice do you have?  

NS: The advice that I would give is take a real hard look at yourself and identify your strengths and weaknesses, because both of those will be tested in an entrepreneurial journey. If you identify that you have more weaknesses than strengths, then you might want to reconsider, but I honestly feel since I’ve become this successful is because I’m constantly doing a self-evaluation. I’m constantly checking myself; I’m constantly making sure am I operating from a positive spirit, and a positive atmosphere. Creating a positive atmosphere for people is really everything else, the universe will work out for you.  

AV: Anything else to add? 

NS: Make sure you guys stay tuned. Yacht Club access is a luxury, sustainable swimwear resort brand. It’s more than just fashion, I promise you. It’s a lifestyle.  

To purchase and be on the lookout for the official drop on March 7, 2024, visit https://www.yachtclubaccess.com.  

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Representatives from retail giant Walmart’s philanthropic arm, Walmart.org, appeared at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in downtown Atlanta Monday morning to present the organization with an $800,000 grant.

The funding marks the beginning of a collaboration between the two groups, intended to support the Russell Center’s efforts to stimulate rising entrepreneurs in Atlanta’s Black community.

Monique Carswell, director at Walmart.org’s Center for Racial Equity and Strategic Initiatives, said that her team strives to fund organizations and projects like RICE’s PayPal Retail Academy, designed to allocate educational and financial resources to small business owners burdened by systemic hurdles in their pursuit of entrepreneurship.

“We support initiatives that aim to reduce the racial wealth gap by advancing equity for Black-owned businesses… here in Atlanta and beyond,” Carswell said. “Through philanthropy, we are investing in organizations that are helping Black businesses in retail industries strengthen and grow their companies by tackling traditional barriers to their success, such as access to capital, social capital (and) marketing.”

Walmart partners with organizations that work closely with small business owners in their respective communities. Mark Espinoza, Walmart’s senior director of public affairs, said Walmart chooses to collaborate with organizations that ignite positive change in the communities surrounding them.

“We’re constantly looking for organizations that are making a difference in the community,” Espinoza said. “And when we met RICE, we saw the impact that they’re having with Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the area.”

Espinoza also said that Walmart aims to incite a broader economic impact through its partnership with RICE and other organizations by giving young entrepreneurs the resources needed to develop their businesses and send their products to retailers, inevitably helping funds pour back into local economies. The distribution of funding is part of a larger initiative set in motion by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation in 2020, which pledged to allocate $100 million over the course of five years to address racial disparities across the country.

Russell Innovation Center CEO Jay Bailey said that Walmart’s partnership will accelerate the progress of RICE’s existing work with local entrepreneurs, helping them to expand their businesses and prepare them for future opportunities in retail. Bailey said that the organization will use funding from the grant to create and staff a new comprehensive academy, intended to nurture inexperienced small business owners and teach them the fundamentals of entrepreneurial success.

“Walmart, thank you for the opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to see their value in their own reflection on the shelves that they shop at every day,” Bailey said. “It really means something.”

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The beverages produced by the Simplicity Beverage Company of Atlanta may be the only teas and lemonade that are officially approved by a medical doctor.

That stamp of approval comes from Dr. Bianca Kiovanni, the creator and owner of Simplicity Beverage Company. Kiovanni is a stakeholder in the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (R.I.C.E), an institution designed to aid entrepreneurs.

Obviously, Dr. Kiovanni loves a challenge because she chose one of the most highly competitive industries in the U.S. – the beverage industry to launch her new business. 

According to industry statistics compiled by Zippia, the non-alcoholic beverage industry is valued at an astounding $760 billion. In 2022, revenue from non-alcoholic beverage sales was around $447 billion. 

The company sitting at the top of the non-alcoholic beverage mountain for more than a century is – you guessed it – Atlanta’s own The Coca-Cola Company with 42 percent of the market. 

In breaking down the top five beverages sold in the U.S. Teas come in at number five with seven percent of the market, preceded by milk (7%), soft drinks (10%), coffee (14%) and the beverage we all don’t drink enough of – water (bottled and unbottled) at the top.

Dr. Kiovanni’s first line-up of “healthy” teas and lemonades (more flavors are planned to be released later this year)  are not the traditional flavors you will find on your supermarket shelves. Her “complex” flavors are: Fulfill-Mint, a blend of green tea, mint and honey; Guava Goodness, a blend of guava and lemonade; Basil Breeze, a combination of lemon and basil; and Island Time, a fusion of pineapple, lime, lemon and a secret spice. 

The recipes for the teas and lemonades went through several variations and were tested repeatedly, Dr. Kiovanni said of the beverages which have no artificial flavors or preservatives. 

The beverages are in limited retail distribution but can be ordered from the website at: www.simplicitybeverage.com. 

The following is an edited version of the interview for space purposes. 

Atlanta Voice: You know you pick one of the most competitive industries to start a business in. Did you think about any other industry dealing with the health industry in order to go into instead of the beverage or you were locked in on the beverage and you knew that’s what you wanted to do?

Dr. Bianca Kiovanni: I was locked in on the beverage and knew what I needed to do. You know everything if you think these days, everything is super competitive. What doctor (with 20 years of experience) do you know is out here making drinks? What company do you know that’s actually genuine and honest about creating a product that’s actually decent for people? It’s a lot of competitiveness. But when you look at who’s adding chemicals, who’s cutting corners, who’s lying on their labels, I really don’t have that much competition. And I’ll tell you what, somebody may have tons of decades of experience in sales and marketing. But I know for a fact nobody has the credentials I have.

AV: From the time you settled on the idea to start a beverage company to actually starting it, how long was that? 

BK: More than 10 years.

AV: Was it a start and stop process?

BK: It was a start and stop process, because I was building my practice at the same time. So I would dabble in it. You know, I wrote the recipes for S\implicity.  It’s been more than a decade ago. I would write the recipes. And then I would tinker with them. And I don’t like this and I don’t like that. But I had to teach myself how to write a recipe. How do you scale a recipe? Because making a pitcher of something at the house is totally different than the hundreds of gallons we make now. So I had to learn all of that. I had to do research on bottles. What kind of bottles do I want? What kind of size do I want? You know, what kind of caps do I want? What colors? There was a lot of nuance. The good thing was I was pretty clear about what I didn’t want and so it just became a matter of finding what I was looking for.

Launch Time

A native of Detroit, Dr. Kiovanni said she received invaluable inside information from her first co-packer that decided to close its doors just as she was preparing to launch her brand in 2018. Fortunately, a friend told her of another co-packer in Georgia. The first shipment of 1000 bottles went out in November 2021. 

BK:In the state of Georgia, you can’t produce a retail beverage for sale out of your home. So I have a co-packer. A co-packer is a facility where you provide your recipes and then they mass produce your products for you. So I’m fortunate to have a black co-packer ( Pure Delights) in Tucker, GA.  It’s one of the greatest companies you’ll never know about.

Our businesses fit hand in hand together. The facility is big enough where I could scale my business probably five to 10 times over. No problem.  It’s been an amazing experience. And a lot of people I talk to in the food and beverage industry, they can’t stand their co-packer. I love my co-packer. It’s been a game changer for my business.

AV: So was it like when those first bottles rolled off the assembly line?  

BK: It was exhilarating. It was exhausting. It was annoying. It  was like giving birth to an inanimate baby. It really was Because they produce beverages where they do the actual production. It is literally freezing in there. He had bottles from other companies, like on pallets, stacked up to the rafters and I said one day, he’s going to order my bottles in pallets like he does these other ones. I remember when it was finally time to bottle the drinks. And I actually have footage on my website and I have it in my phone of when the first drinks rolled off of the production assembly line. I would have cried but it was so cold and I was so tired. I didn’t have the energy to do it.

The Beginning

AV: When did you decide to go into medicine? How many years ago?

BK: Oh, gosh, that was more than 20 years ago, I’ve always had a passion for healthcare, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. It was more like a calling than anything else. It was just something that  has always been inherently in me. And I knew going in, it was gonna be a lot of work. And I just met that challenge, you know, head on. And it was working in healthcare that led me to my beverage company. So for me, the two are inextricably linked. And the reason why is because in practice, and working with people, you know, talking about lifestyle and health and wellness and things like that, no one takes into consideration what they drink. You know, you’ve got over the road truck drivers, going into some of these gas stations getting 96 ounces of high fructose corn syrup, yellow dye number five, red number eight, blue 72 and everything else, and they think that it doesn’t count. Well, it’s like, Well, sir, where do you think your diabetes came from? Right. You know, same thing with coffee. Just a lot of you know, a lot of different things. And I’m like, I’m not saying we all have to drink water all day, because that’s definitely not realistic. But why all the chemicals while the dye is why all the garbage? Why?

AV: Where did you attend college?

BK I went to undergrad in Alabama. So I went to Alabama A&M University. So I am an HBCU grad. I did my graduate studies in Atlanta. And I finished my graduate program in St. Louis, Missouri. So I split my program up between two different states at two different institutions in two different parts of the country. ;/

AV: There was a generation of women probably before you that were encouraged to marry a doctor, not become a doctor. Was that ever in your circle back in Detroit or your parents or someone who encouraged you to go that route instead of trying to go the route of becoming a doctor? 

BK: No. My parents, thank goodness I was a product of married parents. My parents  pushed education. My parents stressed excellence. They stressed for all of us, you know, my siblings included write your own ticket. Because if you write your own ticket, you don’t have to do just anything. That’s funny that you bring that up because I have two brothers and a sister. And you would have thought my father raised four boys. Because my father was like, well, we’re not going to do  the damsel in distress thing. We’re not doing that. So he made sure before I left his house, I knew how to cut grass, change a tire, I could change oil, like he was for equal opportunity in the skills arena, if you will.

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CALI, Colombia — The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) embarked on the first ever trade mission that connected Afro-American entrepreneurs from Atlanta with Afro-Colombian businesses and leaders. 

RICE took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Colombia to participate in a monumental mission for one week on Aug. 13 through Aug. 20.  

In collaboration with the Atlanta Black Chambers, City of Atlanta and ProColombia, the mission was created to enhance economic development, relationships, and global opportunities for international investment into Colombia.  

“Embracing the spirit of Atlanta’s resilient Black businesses, we venture beyond borders to Colombia, driven by a shared vision of access, opportunity, and advancing business acumen, ” said Jay Bailey, president & CEO of RICE. “Just as our roots grow deep in the rich Southern soil, so shall our collaborations flourish on international grounds. Through this journey, we transcend barriers, turning cultural diversity into a wellspring of innovation, forging connections that enrich both sides of the equator.” 

Also, ProColombia, according to the organization’s President Carmen Caballero, works thoroughly to show the beauty of Colombia and their territories internationally.  

“We were pleased to welcome this trade mission in Cali and the Pacific region to show the participants our diversified exports and our unmatched investment opportunities,” Caballero said. “Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America and has a dynamic internal market, making it the region’s fourth-largest economy. Undoubtedly, this trip has been a milestone in our relations with the United States”. 

Additionally, The Atlanta Voice was invited on the trade mission to get an in-person look at how RICE wants to expand, Afro-Colombian culture, and more.  

Why Cali? 

Santiago de Cali is the capital city of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region. Its population totals around 2.4 million citizens, making Cali the third-largest city in the nation. It is the only region in the country with a network of seven intermediate cities with populations between 150,000 – 400,000 inhabitants. 

Thanks to its strategic position within Colombia, Valle del Cauca is the best location to serve the Colombian ‘Golden Triangle’ market (area between Medellín, Bogotá and Cali), which represents 67% of the GDP and 61% of the population.  

Valle del Cauca is one of the most industrialized regions in the country, including over 180 foreign companies from diverse sectors are established in the region. They contribute nearly 37% of the region’s exports and 12% of its domestic GDP. There are also more than 430 local companies, and hundreds of other small–to medium-size enterprises. It sustains the nation’s most diversified export basket, exporting 12.2% of the country’s non-mining goods. 

“Cali was selected as a hub for this initiative due to its vibrant Afro culture, rich biodiversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Its unique blend of heritage and innovation aligns harmoniously with Atlanta’s values, making it an ideal partner for this historic venture,” said Colombia’s Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo.  

The significance of the Colombia trade mission is to develop and foster relationships that position Atlanta as a global hub for commerce, innovation, culture and diplomacy. 

Why is this a monumental trade mission? 

According to Murillo, the trade mission to Cali and Colombia’s Pacific region originated from recognizing remarkable parallels between two geographically distant, yet culturally akin regions: The Pacific region and Atlanta.  

“This is indeed a monumental effort by public and private business organizations both in Colombia and in the United States,” said Murillo. “The shared values of innovation, diversity, and resilience served as the catalyst for this endeavor. This mission is crucial to harness the strengths of both regions, foster collaboration beyond trade, and emphasize our collective commitment to growth and development.” 

Expanding Cali’s Afro culture, communities, and businesses to the U.S. and reciprocally, Murillo said, holds “profound significance”. 

“It enriches both sides culturally, economically, and socially. This exchange promotes cross-cultural understanding, empowers our communities, and facilitates economic progress through diverse perspectives and innovative collaborations,” he said.  

Additionally, Murillo said the event is described as “monumental” because this event is historic due to its unprecedented nature.  

“It brings together Cali and Colombia’s vast pacific region with Atlanta. These regions are seemingly distant but deeply connected by shared values and aspirations. This trade mission signifies the power of unity, demonstrating how mutual goals can transcend geographical boundaries and shape a meaningful future partnership.” 

This mission sets a precedent for future partnerships, emphasizing the power of shared values and common goals. 

Murillo also said Cali’s aspirations for the trade mission are “multi-faceted”.  

“The city aims to foster economic growth by exploring new opportunities with Atlanta, leveraging technology and innovation. Moreover, it seeks to celebrate its rich cultural heritage internationally, promoting inclusivity and cross-cultural exchange,” he said.  

Atlanta Black Entrepreneurs Paving the Way forward  

Jennifer Barbosa of International Supply Partners, LLC said making black businesses from different markets and parts of the world aware of each other, opening discussion, and how to not only do business with each other, but also support one another in the expansion within the pan-African diaspora is essential to the growth and generational impact of Black and Brown people.  

“This was nothing short of history in the making,” Barbosa said. 

Melba Clayton of Ez4u2 Shop, LLC, said the mission was imperative for the survival of the Afro community and generations to come.  

“We must build a strong foundation that supports sustainability and growth for all of our people around the globe. Interconnection and collaboration are crucial to make this happen,”  said Clayton. 

Additionally, Shellie Stark of InHer Peace Beauty, a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic line, also said the work they have done and continue to do moving forward is “laying the foundation for the next generation”.  

“I see it being so pivotal because not only are we laying the foundation for the next generation, we’re also being able to tap into the Afro-diaspora roots. It’s almost like a coming back home kind of situation,” Stark said. “We’re all coming together on one accord and for one purpose, and that’s to advance the Afro community. So, I see this not for just me, I see it for my children, I see it for my children’s children that they will now be able to have a connection to something greater than just being in the U.S.” 

In addition to Barbosa, Clayton and Stark, 17 other local business owners attended the trade mission to Cali. Their names and businesses are listed below:

Channing Baker – Evolve Contractors, LLC, Lindsay Barnette – Kultured Misfits, Ricardo Berrís – MI Group, Yaminah Childress – YANY Beauty, Melvin Coleman –  CEO Atlanta Black Chambers, Jon Exume – Technologists of Color, James Few – Chosen Few Media, Kris Hale – Dope Pieces, LLC, Natalie Jerome – Neighborhood Jewel Properties, L’Angela Lee – HoneySuckle Moon, LLC, Lauren Levins – Levins Realty/ L. Gabrielle Enterprises, Charla R. Mitchell – Charla Ruschelle, Akita Patterson – Experiential Marketing Development Network, Natasha Simmons – Yacht Club Access, Dawn Sizemore – PracEd Solutions, Kyra Solomon – Solomon and Solomon Construction, Jadaun Sweet – Take Heed Media, LLC The Visual Lyricst  

Looking Ahead to the Future 

Furthermore, Murillo said he hopes to see the 20 Atlanta entrepreneurs launch businesses in Colombia “without delay” after the trade mission trip. 

“Our nation stands as an exceptional business and investment destination, offering an array of opportunities. Our business landscapes are complementary, and alongside this, we share a profound sense of resilience and vibrant culture,” Murillo said. “The possibilities for collaboration are vast, and together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. This firsthand experience has the potential to ignite innovative thinking and forge pathways for collaboration that extend beyond geographical boundaries.” 

Murillo gave The Atlanta Voice a message for Atlanta, the people of Cali, and the country of Colombia.  

“To Atlanta, Cali conveys a message of unity, collaboration, and shared progress,” Muriilo said. “Our partnership holds immense potential to drive innovation, uplift communities, and create a brighter future together. The exchange is not only about mutual growth but also about the enhancement of our cultural and economic ties.” 

Additionally, Murillo said to the people of Cali and Colombia, they extend a message of pride and optimism. 

“We celebrate our heritage and shared values, recognizing this collaboration’s vast business potential,” he said. “This endeavor opens doors to a new era of opportunities for Colombian businesses to expand their horizons and establish meaningful connections with the vibrant business community in Atlanta. As we embark on this journey, we anticipate the positive impact it will have on both regions, fostering economic development and cross-cultural enrichment.” 

The trade mission was only the beginning for Atlanta and Colombia, and there is a long road ahead to expand, however connecting with one’s roots and people who look like them only motivates and drives the mission.  

The post Atlanta to Colombia: Afro business communities unite in Cali appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Touching down to a beautiful city with vibrant murals on every corner, fresh and flavorful food, amazing live music, stunning fashion, and scenery from a long morning of travel felt like a dream come true. 

That dream is Cali, Colombia.  

For some background, 20 Black entrepreneurs along with officials from The Russell Innovative Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), the Atlanta Mayor’s Office, and the Atlanta Black Chambers, journeyed to South America to embark on the first ever trade mission connecting Afro-American entrepreneurs from Atlanta with Afro-Colombian businesses and leaders. 

The Atlanta Voice was invited on the trip to get an inside look at the trade mission, to explore the beauty of Colombia, and more.  

Cali, Colombia: The Experience of a Lifetime 

First off, this was my first time traveling outside the country post-pandemic and leading up to this trip, I was extremely nervous. However, once I landed in Cali, it instantly felt like home.  

The weather wasn’t as hot as I imagined but it was humid. After the second day, I got used to it.  

Some of my favorite moments from the trip were meeting some of the most amazing people in Cali, flying on a private plane to go to Colombia’s Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo’s hometown Choćo, whale watching, salsa dancing at the “El Mulato Cabaret”, the food and exploring the streets of Cali. We also flew to Quibdó and Nuquí, which were both breathtaking moments.  

Also, I know I mentioned food, but I need to emphasize how good and fresh the food was in Cali. First off, I have never eaten so much food in my life, however, now that I’m back home, I miss those empanadas and Lulada, which is a traditional Colombian beverage made from a fruit called Lulo (some say it tastes like a mixture of kiwi, citrus, and pineapple) from Cali, in the Valle Del Cauca Department of Colombia. AMAZING!! 

I’m a big foodie and also very allergic to shellfish, so navigating through it was challenging, but the dishes I did eat were phenomenal. I did not want to go back to eating American food after my experience. My favorite meals were from the “Platillos Voladores” restaurant where I ordered the Guava Chicken, which were chicken rolls with ricotta cheese and guava jam in blue cheese sauce served with yellow potato purée. Another place I enjoyed was for dinner at the “Hacienda del Bosque” restaurant, and not only was the food amazing, but the atmosphere was stunning and a perfect way to end the night. 

Although I was sent to Cali on an assignment, this turned into a personal journey for me. I will hold all of the memories I made close to my heart for years to come.  

Thank you to The Atlanta Voice, RICE, and ProColombia for giving me an opportunity to experience such a beautiful city and country.  

Muchas gracias Cali, Colombia, ¡volveré! 

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For a young company  like Atlanta-based Beautiful Curly Me any good publicity is vital to its continued growth. But when a seemingly routine TV interview turns into a surprised check presentation it then becomes a godsend. 

During an interview with the local TV show Atlanta & Company at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) (6/20), Evana and Zoe Oli,  mother and daughter business partners were caught totally off guard when former Atlanta Hawks guard Lou Williams showed up to present them a check from Verizon for $10,000. 

The mother/daughter duo looked as if they weren’t sure it was all real. The team at the Russell Center decided to surprise the two who are member stakeholders at the center. The check is from Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program and partner LISC. 

Zoe, the 11 year-old CEO said the grant is right on time. 

“I’m going to use every cent to expand my company, my social impact and expand the line of dolls this Christmas,” she said. 

Williams heard about the young CEO through his mother who was impressed after a brief meeting with her. The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee said it’s important to support our youth and their dreams. 

“She’s a young entrepreneur, doing a lot of positive things. I think it’s important especially with young people to have a vision, to have goals that they want to accomplish in the future,” Williams said. “Any time that people like myself in the community can give a young person a hand I think that’s important.”

Zoe’s path into entrepreneurship began four years ago when she was seven years old. When she was six her mother bought her a black doll, “I loved that doll but it didn’t have curly hair like mine,” she said. 

After several failed shopping attempts to find a black doll with the desired hairdo, she decided to  make her own but not just for herself but for other girls who wanted the same thing. 

“We are all about instilling confidence in young black girls through beautiful black dolls like Bella, (the first doll),” she said.

According to Verizon communications officer Burnadette Brijlall, the telecom giant started their Digital Ready program two years ago because they recognized that many small businesses were having a difficult time competing in today’s digital economy. 

“We saw that small businesses had a need for influence marketing, tax support, how to get a website, etc., “ Brijall said. “All of these resources are so important to small businesses who need help getting into the digital economy. How do you take your business from being just brick and mortar to having an online presence.” 

The project is serving “tens of thousands” of small businesses, Brijall said.” With women and minority owned businesses we felt it was important to help these businesses thrive in the digital economy.”

“ It’s not just about the grants that the program offers, but learning how to make your business better. There is coaching, mentorships, meet-ups, guidance on the platform and we will be  holding sessions across the country this year,” she added. 

(This article is provided through a grant from RICE.)

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Fiserv, Inc., (NYSE: FI)  the international financial tech service company not only loves but believes in Atlanta. Based in a Milwaukee suburb, the company is putting its money where its mouth is. 

In addition to the funds already invested into businesses in the metro Atlanta area, Fiserv is bringing its Back2Business program back to Atlanta and expanding its commitment to supporting black and minority-owned businesses. 

The Back2Business program is a $50 million fund to support minority-owned small businesses through grants, coaching and access to technology and networking opportunities. An additional $1 million in grants will be awarded to qualifying businesses in metro counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Cherokee, Douglas, Gwinnett, Henry and Fayette. The businesses will be able to apply for grants up to $10,000.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and providing resources through programs like Back2Business helps ensure their success in today’s economy, “ said Neil Wilcox, Fiserv’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Increasing our investment in Atlanta will strengthen our local community, contributing to an ecosystem in which small business owners can thrive.” 

Grants will be administered in partnership with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a leading national voice for underserved entrepreneurs. Small businesses can find out more about the grant and apply at aeoworks.org/Fiserv. Applications will be accepted until all grant money is awarded.

AEO is one of the leading voices of innovation for microfinance and microbusiness. It states their mission is to create economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs throughout the United States.

Joining Fiserv at the event were organizations that support the growth of small businesses in metro Atlanta, small business owners and three Atlanta entrepreneurs who have received assistance from the financial giant and the Russell Center.

Testifying that Fiserv does practice what it preaches were Tiffany Moore of Chef Tiffany Moore Gourmet Foods, Kris Hale Dope Pieces Puzzle Company and Kerri-Ann Thomas of Brooklyn Tea. 

Hale told the packed room  that the grant and the support was pivotal in the success of her business. “I used the grant to solidify the business portion of  my plan, getting my trademarks and copyrights complete,” she said. 

Thomas shared how the grant received by Brooklyn Tea helped keep the business going, paving the path for expansion, while Moore noted the ability to grow her brand.

“The Back2Business grant that Brooklyn Tea founders Jamila and Ali Wright received in 2020 helped to keep their doors open during the height of the pandemic,” Thomas said. “Because of the support they received through such financial turmoil, they were able to keep their company afloat, paving the way for partners such as myself to join the Brooklyn Tea movement and open a store in Atlanta.”

“The Back2Business grant helped me start thinking globally about my brand,” said Moore, a native of Atlanta. “Having the support of a company like Fiserv was the additional push I needed to execute plans I thought I would have to wait on longer.”“

Hale also spoke about how the support of Fiserv and RICE have helped her business grow.

“The Fiserv Back2Business program has been paramount to the growth of my business,” said Hale. “The continued support and opportunities to work with organizations like RICE keeps us going and shows a deep level of buy-in and dedication to truly helping small businesses scale and grow.”

All three of the entrepreneurs strongly encouraged the use of the Fiserv Clover system. 

According to Fiserv, Back2Business has contributed more than $1.5 million into Atlanta’s small business ecosystem, including 139 grants to small business owners.

After giving a brief history of the namesake of the center – the late builder Herman J. Russell, Bailey told the audience, many of whom were visiting the center for the first time, that RICE is a special place for entrepreneurs and they won’t find another place like it anywhere in Georgia. 

“At RICE, we are boldly disrupting barriers to economic wealth that many Black businesses face in today’s society,” said Jay Bailey, President and CEO of RICE. “We are taking expedient action with community-minded organizations, like Fiserv, to do more to lift equality for those who need it most.”

As a global leader in payments and financial technology, Fiserv helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform.

For more information visit:

Fiserv – www.fiserv.com

Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs –  www.russellcenter.org

Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) – aeoworks.org.

(This is sponsored content  provided through a grant from The Russell Center written by The Atlanta Voice.)

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