The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is on a mission to equip Black small business founders with access, education and connection to build businesses and fuel a more inclusive economy. Since the beginning of our partnership in 2020, Target has dedicated our resources and expertise to this mission as part of our long-standing commitment to supporting small businesses and growing the communities we serve. Working with RICE, we’ve helped amplify innovative products, bring industry-changing offerings to market and give entrepreneurs tools to navigate the world of mass market retail.
Bringing a product into the mass retail market is no small feat. That’s why RICE’s Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) — helping Black founders of established brands take their product offerings to new heights — is powerful. Through a seven-month course, passionate entrepreneurs are able to fast-track their growth with tools, insights, strategies and connections to break into the competitive retail landscape.
That’s where Target comes in — with a longstanding focus on supporting small businesses and the innovative, locally-relevant products they bring to market. In 2024 we renewed our commitment to RICE, helping double the cohort size of RRA. We’ve deepened our engagement as well, with executive mentorship and behind-the-scenes store visits, granting entrepreneurs an insider's insight as to what makes products successful on the shelf — all in service of our shared goal: uplifting businesses that will revolutionize industries and leave lasting legacies.
Supporting entrepreneurs through education
Target has been a long-time champion and supporter of historically black college and university (HBCU) students, in school and beyond. Our latest campaign “HBCU, Always” is a docu-style series celebrating the lifelong connections students make on campus and introducing passionate graduates into an ecosystem of support — from both Target and RICE. Surprising these entrepreneurs with two-year RICE stakeholder memberships gives them the resources, education and community they need to take their businesses to the next level. Check out Femigist founder Amara Onwukaeme and multimedia artist and Target HBCU Design Challenge winner Nat Fields with Cam Kirk their program mentor and founder of Cam Kirk Studios as they talk business and explore the RICE campus.
Saturday School Takeovers
For entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, RICE offers Saturday School. Designed to engage and inspire the community, these courses are wide-ranging and build a variety of skills to drive business success. Now, Target is jumping in. We’re hosting quarterly Saturday School Takeovers, lending our subject matter expertise to the community in retail readiness, how to scale, business essentials and beyond.
Remaking the market
What’s in store for RICE and Target moving forward? A retail showroom to elevate Black-owned brand visibility. As RICE continues to invest in passionate founders, they’re reshaping our shelves and helping them shine. Now — as part of our expanded partnership — we’re helping revitalize the RICE Market, an on-site retail showcase for products of RICE-supported entrepreneurs.
With Target’s help, the RICE Market will relaunch with a new look, fun pop-ups and stunning seasonal activations to drive visibility, engagement and sales.
Target’s commitment to small business
Supporting innovative founders, helping them bring unique, locally relevant products to market and strengthening their communities is part of how we delight guests and deliver joy to the communities we serve. Check out even more ways Target is continuing our long-standing investment in small businesses and entrepreneurs.
