RICE 2.0 | January 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Welcome to the RICE Playbook – your comprehensive guide to unlocking the full spectrum of resources at RICE. This playbook empowers and elevates our Stakeholders by providing a roadmap to navigate the myriad opportunities available within our innovative ecosystem. From funding avenues to mentorship programs and strategic networking to cutting-edge technologies – consider this playbook your compass for maximizing your entrepreneurial journey and propelling your ventures to unprecedented heights.
RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS
ABOUT RICE
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is Atlanta’s home for Black entrepreneurs. Positioned as a business generator, RICE serves as an economic mobility engine for the community, driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth. Inspired by the legacy of Herman J. Russell, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs and civic leaders in Atlanta, RICE remains dedicated to its mission to Build. Black. Business. and stands as the largest center in the world dedicated to growing, scaling, and developing Black-owned businesses.
MISSION Build. Black. Business.
VISION Black prosperity multiplied through business ownership.
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STAKEHOLDER PLAYBOOK
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RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS
THE WAY FORWARD – RICE 7 KEY RESOURCE AREAS
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01 ACCESS TO MENTORSHIP AND COACHING
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02 ACCESS TO FUNDING AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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03 ACCESS TO LOGISTICAL AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES
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04 REVENUE GROWTH
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05 CONNECTION AND CAMARADERIE WITH NETWORKS OF PEERS
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06 BUSINESS EDUCATION AND COACHING
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07 WELLNESS AND WELLBEING
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STAKEHOLDER MUST-DO LIST
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OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES
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CONCLUSION
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STAKEHOLDER PLAYBOOK
THE WAY FORWARD – RICE 7 Key Resource Areas Big IDEAS, our flagship learning continuum, is the heart of the RICE ecosystem and provides you with a direct path to business growth by providing you with resources in 7 Key Areas:
• Business Advisors • Coaching Circles
• Stakeholder Directory • Industry Tribes • Dedicated Relationship Managers • Community Events • Stakeholder Portal
• Wellness Wednesdays
Mentorship and Coaching
Wellness and Wellbeing
When you need to talk to someone who’s done it before
Connection and Camaraderie
When you need to reset and take care of what’s most important
Big IDEAS
When you need to feel the love of your community
Revenue Streams
Funding and Financial Resources
When you need to get new customers and contracts
Complete your sprints and grow your business!
Education
Accelerators: • Paypal • Retail Academy • Supply Chain Accelerator, etc.
When you need money to grow your business
Logistical and Technical Resources
• Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) • Village Micro Fund • Invest Atlanta
When you need to develop knowledge and skills
When you need specific tools and resources to plug into your business
• RICE Grants • Stakeholder
Hardship Assistance
• Learning Labs • Digital RICE
• Stakeholder Central • Logistics Launchpad • Content Creation Studio • Brandpreneur Photography Studio
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RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS
ACCESS TO MENTORSHIP AND COACHING 01
1. Description
Stakeholders should leverage access to mentorship, investors, and other forms of support in various ways to enhance their chances of business success. By strategically leveraging these resources and actively engaging with mentors, investors, and other supporters, you can improve your business prospects and increase the likelihood of business sustainability. 2. Use this play when you: Need Guidance: Actively seek guidance and advice from experienced mentors. They can provide insights, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges. Need Connections: Regular communication and updates can help you receive ongoing support and valuable feedback while building a relationship that allows you to leverage your mentors’ networks to connect with other industry professionals, potential partners, and customers.
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Need Pitch Development: Establish strong relationships with investors. Regular updates on your progress and transparent communication can build trust and credibility and gain support for crafting a compelling and concise pitch that clearly articulates your business idea, market potential, and growth strategy. 3. Highlights Business Advisors: Your business advisor is a seasoned business professional who will provide expert advice and guidance on various aspects of your business. They will typically have a broad understanding of business operations, strategy, management, and industry-specific nuances. Their primary goal is to help you overcome challenges, improve performance, and achieve your business objectives. Coaching Circles: Coaching Circles are structured and collaborative learning environments for Accelerate Stakeholders, where a small group of individuals come together to support each other’s personal and professional development through coaching and shared experiences. A coaching circle is RICE’s collaborative approach to personal, professional, and business development, fostering community and shared growth among our Stakeholders. 4. Key Benefits Experience-Based Insight: Mentors often have a wealth of experience in the business world. Their insights can help you navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls based on real-world experiences. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Mentors encourage mentees to think critically and approach problem-solving strategically.
Business Opportunities: Mentors may share insights into potential business opportunities, partnerships, or collaborations that align with your goals. Investor Introductions: Mentors often have connections with investors. Introductions facilitated by mentors can open doors to funding opportunities for you. 5. Outcomes Accelerated Growth Trajectory: The combined impact of mentorship, investment, and support can contribute to a faster growth trajectory for your business. Increased Adaptability: With a robust support system, businesses are better equipped to adapt to market changes and navigate challenges effectively. Enhanced Brand Reputation: Successful engagement with mentors, investors, and support networks can positively impact your business’s reputation and brand image. Increased Sustainability: The holistic support provided contributes to the overall sustainability and success of your business in the long term.
Action Items
1. Schedule an appointment with a business advisor to discuss your Action Plan and business goals. 2. Calendar and attend your scheduled Coaching Circle (Accelerate Stakeholders Only).
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ACCESS TO FUNDING AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 02
1. Description: Access to funding and financial assistance is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. Effectively leveraging these resources requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By thoughtfully considering these strategies, Stakeholders can maximize the impact of funding and financial assistance on their business growth, setting the stage for long-term success. 2. Use this play to: Launch Your Business: Access seed funding from personal savings, family, friends, or angel investors to cover initial startup costs, product development, and market entry. Scale Operations: When your business gains traction, you may seek funding to scale operations, hire additional staff, and expand marketing efforts. Increase Production Capacity: When demand for products or services rises, you may seek funding to scale up manufacturing or production capabilities. Expand Geographically: If you can enter new markets or expand your business’s geographic reach, you may use funding to support marketing campaigns, distribution networks, and localization efforts. Maintain Liquidity: Funding may be required to manage working capital needs, ensuring the business can operate smoothly, pay bills, and manage day-to-day expenses.
3. Highlights: Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE): ACE is a Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofit and community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides capital, coaching, and connections to help borrowers create and grow sustainable businesses that generate jobs. Village Micro Fund: Educates and empowers Black entrepreneurs through coaching, consulting, connecting, and capital. Invest Atlanta: Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta. RICE Grants: Our small business grant program offers periodic support to Stakeholders who meet specific business need criteria, fostering sustained growth and resilience. By assessing applicants’ needs carefully, we tailor financial assistance to address critical areas such as marketing, technology upgrades, or operational expansion. Our goal is to empower Stakeholders with targeted funding, enabling them to overcome challenges and reach new milestones in their development. Stakeholder Hardship Assistance: Our hardship assistance grants offer a lifeline to Stakeholders facing personal financial challenges by providing short-term financial support during difficult times. Business owners’ wellbeing is related to the success of their ventures, and our assistance aims to alleviate immediate financial burdens, allowing them to focus on revitalizing their personal and professional stability. Through compassionate assistance, we strive to empower Stakeholders to overcome hardships and continue pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
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Capital Readiness and Preparation: Assisting small businesses with capital readiness involves evaluating their financial health, helping them create comprehensive business plans, and refining financial statements to attract potential investors or secure loans. Through strategic guidance, we work to enhance their creditworthiness, streamline operations, and develop a compelling narrative that highlights their growth potential. We aim to empower small businesses with the tools and insights to successfully navigate the capital acquisition process and achieve sustainable financial success. 4. Key Benefits: Business Expansion: The ability to infuse capital into your business will enable you to expand operations, enter new markets, or invest in crucial resources. Faster Scaling: Access to funding allows you to scale your businesses more rapidly, capturing market share and staying ahead of competitors. Financial Resilience: A well-funded business is more resilient to economic downturns and better equipped to navigate unforeseen challenges. Product or Service Diversification: Access to financial assistance supports diversification, allowing you to explore new products or services. Investor Confidence: Securing funding from reputable investors enhances your business’s credibility, attracting more investors and partners. 5. Outcomes: Increased Competitive Edge: Adequate funding positions the business as a market leader, enabling it to set industry standards and influence market trends. Increased Revenue Growth: With proper utilization of funding, your business can experience significant revenue growth, contributing to long-term sustainability.
Increased Job Creation: As your business expands, job creation has a positive impact, benefiting both your company and the local economy. Enhanced Global Expansion Capacity: Adequate funding supports businesses exploring international markets, broadening their global footprint. Increased Long-Term Sustainability: Access to funding contributes to the long-term sustainability of your business, ensuring its ability to adapt and thrive over time. Improved Exit Opportunities: Successful utilization of funding may present attractive exit opportunities, such as acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO).
Action Items
1. Review and Set Goals: Reflect on your previous year’s financial performance. Set realistic and measurable financial goals for the upcoming year. 2. Create a Budget: Create a detailed budget outlining expected income and expenses. Allocate funds to different aspects of the business, such as marketing, operations, and growth initiatives. 3. Assess Cash Flows: Project cash flow to ensure enough liquidity for day-to-day operations. Identify potential cash flow gaps and plan for contingencies. 4. Complete Tax Planning: Stay informed about changes in tax laws and regulations. Work with a tax professional to optimize deductions and credits. Set aside funds for tax payments and deadlines. 5. Build relationships and schedule an appointment with any of our financial readiness advisors. Share your business goals and discuss options for funding your business.
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1. Description: Access to logistical and technical resources can significantly impact a business’s growth and operational efficiency. Entrepreneurs can strategically utilize these resources to enhance their capabilities, improve processes, and expand their market reach. 2. Use this play for: Integrating New Technologies: Entrepreneurs should adopt technological solutions to improve operational workflows, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. Improving Resource Allocation: Utilize logistical and technical resources to allocate assets efficiently, minimizing idle time and maximizing productivity. Improving Customer Satisfaction: Enhancements in logistical and technical capabilities can result in faster deliveries, accurate order tracking, and overall enhanced customer experience. Receiving Technical Training: Invest in training programs to ensure your team is well-versed and prepared to use new technologies to execute processes and manage logistical resources effectively. 3. Highlights: Stakeholder Central: This is your one-stop shop for assistance in navigating the RICE ecosystem. Stop by in person to ensure you are taking advantage of all the resources and opportunities RICE has to offer. Receive 1-on-1 care from a dedicated RICE team member who will ensure we thoroughly understand how to serve your business best.
ACCESS TO LOGISTICAL AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES
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STAKEHOLDER PLAYBOOK
5. Outcomes: Improved Bottom Line: Effective use of logistical and technical resources can lead to cost savings, contributing to improved profitability. Enhanced Customer Loyalty & Retention: Timely deliveries, accurate order fulfillment, and a seamless customer experience foster loyalty and repeat business. Increased Market Entry Access: Businesses can successfully enter and operate in new markets with efficient logistical operations and the support of advanced technologies. Improved Brand Image: Consistent and reliable logistical operations contribute to a positive brand image, building trust with customers and partners. Increased Employee Productivity: Streamlined logistical processes and the use of technology contribute to improved employee productivity and satisfaction. Action Items 1. Schedule your Stakeholder Interview in Digital RICE and visit Stakeholder Central for all your business needs. 2. Schedule pro-bono consulting services in Digital RICE to assist with your technical assistance needs. 3. Visit the Logistics Launchpad to learn more and sign up for any of our Innovation Lab courses via Digital RICE. 4. Visit the BRANDPRENUER Photography Studio and schedule your updated headshots.
Technical Assistance: RICE offers training and technical assistance to underserved small businesses in Georgia regardless of membership. We can assist with general business development, strategic planning, accessing capital, finance and accounting, technology, and marketing assistance - at no cost to you. Logistics Launchpad: In partnership with Ware2Go and UPS, RICE Stakeholders have access to a UPS Store with discounted shipping rates, a distribution center for e-commerce fulfillment, and an innovation lab for constructing prototypes. The Innovation Lab provides access to classes on 3DPrinting, Product Development, and the Metaverse, practical methods to apply that knowledge in your business, and much more. The UPS Store provides self-serve services and access to packaging and shipping (outside the Ware2Go fulfillment program). Content Creation Studio: Our new Content Creation Studio is equipped with the tools, technology, and creative talent to generate high-quality content across different platforms to market, promote, and grow your business. BRANDPRENUER Photography Studio: BRANDPRENUER® Studios is the #1 rated headshot and brand photography studio in Atlanta for diverse professionals, businesses, influencers, and personalities needing to develop, refresh, or enhance their image for websites, social media, press, and other promotional opportunities. 4. Key Benefits: Operational Efficiency: Logistical resources enable businesses to optimize supply chain and distribution processes, reducing lead times and enhancing overall operating efficiency. Market Reach Expansion: With improved logistical capabilities, businesses can expand their market reach internationally, reaching new customers and accessing diverse markets. Customer Satisfaction: Efficient logistical operations contribute to timely deliveries, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Technology Integration: Technical solutions can automate processes, reducing manual errors and operational costs.
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RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS
REVENUE GROWTH 04
1. Description:
Entrepreneurs can pursue business revenue growth through strategic planning, effective execution, and continuous adaptation to market dynamics. By integrating critical strategies into their business plan and consistently monitoring their effectiveness, entrepreneurs can create a roadmap for sustainable revenue growth.
2. Use this play for: Optimizing Supply Chain Management: Improve distribution networks to reach customers more efficiently by developing increased expertise in your business model (B2B, B2C, B2G, etc.) and supply chain management. Improving Branding and Marketing: Invest in targeted marketing campaigns to acquire new customers. Implement strategies to retain existing customers through loyalty programs, excellent customer service, and personalized experiences.
Market Expansion: Identify untapped markets or regions and expand your product or service offerings to reach a broader customer base.
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3. Highlights:
5. Outcomes Exit Strategies and Valuation: Consistent growth positively influences the valuation of a business, enhancing its attractiveness for potential buyers or investors and providing a clear path to founders for exiting the business. Global Expansion Opportunities: A financially robust company can explore opportunities for international expansion, entering new markets and reaching a more diverse customer base. Generational Wealth: When managed thoughtfully and responsibly, generational wealth can contribute to the financial security and prosperity of successive family members and reflects a commitment to the wellbeing and advancement of future generations, often extending beyond monetary considerations to encompass broader aspects of personal and community development.
Accelerators
Retail Academy: The RICE Retail Academy is a comprehensive experiential learning program designed to equip CPG brands with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the competitive retail landscape. Supply Chain Accelerator: The Supply Chain Accelerator Program is for Stakeholders ready to do business with Fortune 500 companies or government agencies. The program focuses on contract readiness and goes beyond education to equity, presenting participants with exponential contracting opportunities. The faculty for this unique opportunity includes supply chain experts and decision-makers from critical partners such as The Walt Disney Company, UPS, Clorox, Target, King & Spalding, The Village Market, Morehouse SBDC, and more. 4. Key Benefits Financial Stability: Consistent revenue growth provides a stable financial foundation, allowing businesses to meet operational expenses, invest in growth initiatives, and manage unforeseen challenges. Positive Business Image: A company with a history of revenue growth tends to have a positive public image, attracting customers, investors, and partners. Community Impact: Growing businesses can impact local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting community initiatives.
Action Items
1. Improve your supply chain management skills. Register and complete the on-demand course Supply Chain Fundamentals: Building Blocks for Success located in Digital RICE. 2. Visit Stakeholder Central to learn more about the criteria for participating in our business accelerator programs.
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RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS
CONNECTION AND CAMARADERIE WITH NETWORKS OF PEERS 05
1. Description Stakeholders can leverage connections and camaraderie with networks of peers to foster business growth and success. Building meaningful relationships within a peer network can provide countless opportunities for collaboration, learning, and support. By actively engaging in connections and camaraderie within networks of peers, Stakeholders can create a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and resilience. 2. Use this play to: Engage in Industry Events: Participate in industry-specific conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals. Join Entrepreneurial Associations: Become a member of entrepreneurial organizations and associations that provide networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Engage in Online Forums: Join relevant online communities, forums, and social media groups where entrepreneurs share insights, discuss challenges, and provide support. Establish Peer Mentorship Relationships: Connect with peers with complementary skills or experiences, fostering mentorship relationships where mutual learning and support can occur. Participate in Local Chambers of Commerce: Engage with local business chambers and networking groups to build connections within the local business community. Share Industry Insights: Actively contribute to knowledge exchange by sharing industry insights, trends, and best practices within your network.
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3. Highlights Stakeholder Portal: The Stakeholder Portal is our secure online Stakeholder portal that allows Stakeholders to access specific information and resources related to their membership, including access to upcoming events, Digital RICE, and the RICE Stakeholder Business Director. Industry Tribes: Industry Tribes facilitate productive interactions between like-minded Stakeholders in similar industries. Tribe Council: The Tribe Council is a group of leaders in the Stakeholder community that meets regularly to develop event and community engagement ideas, compile Stakeholders’ feedback and share it with RICE staff. The Stakeholder council consists of one representative from each industry tribe. Get involved in the council by emailing engagement@russellcenter.org to find out your next industry tribe meeting. Dedicated Relationship Managers: Serve as the initial point of contact for Stakeholders to provide excellent customer service and critical information. Their role is to stay engaged with Stakeholders to ensure their awareness of and connection to available RICE resources and support their short-term and long-term progress throughout their business journey. Community Events: RICE Events offer a range of opportunities for Stakeholders to connect, learn, and celebrate. Our coworking events provide a collaborative workspace for Stakeholders to collaborate with like-minded individuals. In contrast, our networking events are perfect for building professional relationships and expanding your business network. And finally, we love to have fun and celebrate milestones and accomplishments with our RICE family. 4. Key Benefits: Community Engagement: Collaborating on community initiatives within a network enhances your business’s image and strengthens community ties. Shared Resources: Networks often facilitate resource- sharing, such as contacts, expertise, and tools, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Peer Support System: Entrepreneurs in the network can provide emotional support during challenging times, reducing stress and fostering resilience.
5. Outcomes
Joint Ventures: Opportunities for collaborative projects, joint ventures, and partnerships may arise within the network, expanding business capabilities and reach. Referral Partnerships: Building solid relationships within the network can lead to referral partnerships, generating new business opportunities through word-of- mouth recommendations. Business Opportunities: The network can serve as a source of potential business opportunities, including client referrals, collaborations, and new ventures. Strategic Alliances: Strong connections can lead to forming strategic alliances, enhancing market positioning and competitiveness.
Action Items
1. Login to the Stakeholder Portal and Digital RICE via the RICE website. Update your business information in the Stakeholder Business Directory
and review the RICE Community Guidelines. Be in the know about current events and information.
2. Visit Stakeholder Central and schedule a meeting with a dedicated Relationship Manager. They are “the plug” on all things at RICE. 3. Attend a meeting and connect with your Industry Tribe.
Brand Exposure: Active participation in a peer network increases brand visibility and recognition within the industry, potentially attracting clients and investors.
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BUSINESS EDUCATION AND COACHING 06
1. Description: Stakeholders can leverage business education and coaching as valuable resources to enhance their skills, knowledge, and strategic thinking, ultimately contributing to the growth of their businesses. By leveraging business education and coaching, entrepreneurs can build a solid foundation of knowledge, refine their leadership capabilities, and implement effective strategies for sustained business growth. The combined impact of these learning approaches contributes to the entrepreneur’s personal and professional development, positively influencing the business’s overall success. 2. Use this play for: Continuous Learning: Stay informed and current on the knowledge and skills you need to grow your business. Enroll in business courses, workshops, or seminars to stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies. Take advantage of online platforms offering business strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership courses. Specialized Training: Attend technical training programs related to specific aspects of your business, such as sales techniques, digital marketing, or financial management. Coaching: Consider hiring an executive coach to provide personalized guidance, help identify blind spots, and offer personal and business development strategies.
Leadership Development: Invest in programs to strengthen your leadership skills and effectively lead your team.
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3. Highlights: Big IDEAS: Big IDEAS is more than a curriculum; it is a person-centered approach to inspiring and developing the business acumen of entrepreneurs necessary to grow and scale their businesses. Business leaders around the country created Big IDEAS to help them develop an Action Plan for creating sustainable, profitable, and scalable businesses. Learning Labs: Learning Labs are hybrid workshop electives that occur twice a month, every 2nd Tuesday and 4th Friday. These business- and industry-driven sessions mirror your e-learning action plan. Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to attend at least once per month. You will earn reward points for attending. Digital RICE: Digital RICE is our digital learning management system (LMS). Digital RICE aims to increase access to learning and development opportunities offered through the Big IDEAS program and to support a hybrid learning model for Stakeholder business growth across the stages of Big IDEAS. 4. Key Benefits: Enhanced Knowledge Base and In-Depth Understanding: Business education provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of business, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. Improved Strategic Thinking: Business education helps entrepreneurs develop strategic thinking skills, allowing them to envision and plan for the long-term success of their businesses. Industry Insights and Market Knowledge: Education offers insights into industry trends, market dynamics, and best practices, empowering entrepreneurs to make well-informed business decisions. Improved Communication: Coaches work on improving communication skills, enhancing the entrepreneur’s ability to convey ideas, motivate teams, and build relationships.
Confidence Building: Business coaching helps entrepreneurs build confidence in their decision- making, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Outcomes: Comprehensive Growth: The combination of education and coaching offers a comprehensive approach to business development, addressing theoretical knowledge and practical application. Faster Implementation and Accelerated Learning: Entrepreneurs can apply lessons learned in educational settings more efficiently with the guidance and support of a coach, leading to more rapid implementation of strategies. Increased Resilience: Education and coaching contribute to building resilience and helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties with a positive mindset. Strategic Business Growth: The synergy between education and coaching allows entrepreneurs to strategically plan and execute business growth initiatives, leading to sustainable expansion.
Entrepreneurial Confidence: With a solid educational foundation and coaching support, entrepreneurs gain confidence to make informed and strategic business decisions.
Action Items
1. Login to Digital RICE via the RICE website, review the various resources and information, and get started on your Action Plan! 2. Calendar and plan to attend your Sprint Sessions and any upcoming Learning Labs that meet your current needs necessary to grow your business.
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WELLNESS AND WELLBEING 07
1. Description: Entrepreneurs can leverage wellness and wellbeing practices to enhance their personal health and quality of life and contribute to their businesses’ overall growth and success. Prioritizing wellness can increase productivity, better decision-making, and a positive business culture. 2. Use this play for: Personal Wellbeing: Prioritize self-care through regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Healthy Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries and establish a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity. Stress Reduction Practices: Introduce mindfulness training to help manage stress, enhance focus, and improve overall wellbeing. Leadership Example: Demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing as a leader, setting a positive example for employees and creating a culture that values health.
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3. Highlights: Digital RICE Wellness Resources: Wellness and wellbeing are crucial for individuals in general. However, they can be essential for Black entrepreneurs due to the unique challenges and disparities you may face in growing your business. Visit the Digital RICE Wellness page to access curated resources that support your wellness and wellbeing. Community Wellness Events: Our community wellness events typically focus on promoting and enhancing overall wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. These events allow Stakeholders to engage in activities and practices contributing to a healthier lifestyle. 4. Key Benefits: Enhanced Decision-Making: Well-rested and healthy entrepreneurs are likely to make more informed and effective decisions, contributing to the overall strategic success of the business. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Well-rested and stress-managed individuals are more likely to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas to the business. Positive Employer Brand: A commitment to wellness contributes to a positive employer brand, attracting customers and partners who value a socially responsible and health-conscious business.
5. Outcomes:
Improved Employee Productivity: Employees who are physically and mentally well are more engaged, leading to increased productivity and better overall performance. More robust Team Dynamics: Wellness initiatives, especially those involving team activities, strengthen bonds among team members, leading to improved collaboration and communication. Positive Business Culture: Prioritizing wellbeing fosters a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee morale, satisfaction, and collaboration. Increased Employee Retention: Employees who feel supported in their wellbeing are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover and associated recruitment costs.
Action Items
1. Visit the Digital RICE Wellness page to access curated resources that support your wellness and wellbeing.
2. Check the Stakeholder Portal for information about upcoming wellness events.
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STAKEHOLDER MUST-DO LIST Use the following “Must-Do” list to organize and prioritize tasks you must complete to maximize your time and resources at RICE. 1. Login to Digital RICE and GET STARTED! 2. Secure your Stakeholder ID. 3. Schedule and complete your Stakeholder interview. 4. Review your stage requirements.
5. Schedule and plan your calendar for success. 6. Actively participate in scheduled events. 7. Complete your stage requirements.
8. Complete your Learner Experience Survey. 9. Complete your Business Progress Update. 10. Apply for Stakeholder Rewards and celebrate your progress.
OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES RICE Community Guidelines: We created the RICE Stakeholder Community as a place where it’s easy to communicate genuinely, build relationships, and have fun hanging out. Our Community Guidelines ensure everyone finds belonging, but not at the expense of anyone else. These guidelines explain what is and is not allowed in the RICE Stakeholder Community. Visit the Stakeholder Portal to review the complete guidelines. RICE Stakeholder Guest Policy: Stakeholders can invite outside guests to the center. All guests must check in at the reception desk and provide their name, mobile number, photo, and email address through our Envoy check-in system. Stakeholders must escort their guests from the receptionist’s desk. Guests are only permitted in the building with a RICE Stakeholder present.
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Parking and Decals: All Stakeholders will receive a parking decal (one decal per stakeholder). Complimentary parking is available for all guests 7 am-7 pm. After 7 pm, non-stakeholders must scan the RICE QR code (at the receptionist desk) to pay for parking. Parking is $10 during the weekdays and $20 during the weekends for non-stakeholders (Subject to change on event days) Kisi Access (Building Access): Kisi is the application RICE uses to gain access to the building. As a RICE Stakeholder, you must download the app on your smartphone to unlock specific areas throughout the center. Optix (Payments & Room Reservations): Optix is the application all Stakeholders will use to make payments, check in at RICE, book rooms, and schedule meetings with other RICE Stakeholders. For the safety of all Stakeholders and staff, you must check in via Optix every time you enter the facility. Visit the Stakeholder Portal to learn more about reserving RICE event space and conference rooms. RICE Slack Channel: There is a RICE community slack channel where you can interact with other Stakeholders, stay involved in the community, and stay aware of what’s happening at RICE. Visit ricecommunity.slack.com to join or ask another Stakeholder or RICE staff member for an invitation! RICE Tenant Partners: Besides Stakeholders and RICE Staff, our tenant partners are an integral part of our ecosystem. They are here because they share our mission to Build a Black Business or they provide valuable resources and opportunities directly to Stakeholders. Visit the Stakeholder Portal to learn who they are and how they serve.
CONCLUSION
Remember that your journey as an entrepreneur is not just about reaching a destination but embracing the continuous evolution of your ideas and ventures. RICE is more than a resource hub; it’s a vibrant community of like-minded Stakeholders dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful impact. With the knowledge, resources, and tools this playbook provides, forge ahead with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to succeed. Your success is intertwined
with the collective growth of our community, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact you’ll make. Here’s to a future where your entrepreneurial endeavors redefine possibilities and contribute to the ever-expanding landscape of innovation. Best of luck on your journey!
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