The Home Depot Backyard and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) Partner to Spearhead Growth Initiatives for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA (June 5, 2025) – The Home Depot Backyard (HDBY) and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) officially announce a formal partnership to provide educational programs, business development, and professional networking opportunities forsmall businesses and entrepreneurs throughout greater Atlanta.

The HDBY and RICE will work collaboratively to host a series of pop-up and signature events, at both venues, geared towards developing and showcasing Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with an emphasis on current RICE stakeholders and HDBY community partners.

“At The Home Depot Backyard, we believe in the power of intentional collaboration to uplift communities and create inclusive economic opportunities. This partnership with Russell Center is an exciting opportunity for us to continue the great work we do with the small business community and expand access for new relationships - inclusive of entrepreneurs, creatives, wellness practitioners, and many others - by providing meaningful platforms to showcase their talents and scale their respective businesses,” stated Erika Arms, Director of The Home Depot Backyard. “Through our shared programming, venue access, and unified commitment to community engagement, we’re excited to bring dynamic, culturally rich experiences to Atlanta’s westside and the greater Atlanta community for years to come. We look forward to what this partnership will inspire—not just in programming and events, but in people.”

Additionally, The HDBY and RICE will partner to provide resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses as well as providing them with a platform to equip the greater Atlanta region with life-enhancing skills through educational and community engagement programming.

“This is how we change the narrative—by linking arms and leading with purpose. Our partnership with The Home Depot Backyard is about creating uncommon access for the doers, the builders, and the dreamers who are already moving our communities forward. We're showing up by building spaces that equip people to thrive,” stated James “Jay” Bailey, President & CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

The partnership officially kicked off on May 15 with RICE stakeholders among the featured small businesses in vendor village during The Home Depot Backyard’s first signature event of the season, Truist Night Market. Additional HDBY and RICE collaborations will be showcased during upcoming programs and events, including Truist Night Market at The Home Depot Backyard on June 12.

To learn more about The Home Depot Backyard, visit thehomedepotbackyard.com or follow us at @thdbackyard on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok. For more information visit www.RussellCenter.org,download the RICE Report Volume 1 and follow @RICEAtlanta on Instagram and Twitter and @RussellCenterAtlanta on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About The Home Depot Backyard

The Home Depot Backyard, Atlanta’s #BestBackyard, is an award-winning 11-acremulti-use green space in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, that is full of unique opportunities for the local community and visitors alike. Serving the Atlanta community since 2018, The Home DepotBackyard provides a broad spectrum of programming for all audiences and hashosted a wide array of community events while also serving as the premierparking and tailgating destination for the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), AtlantaUnited (MLS), and other stadium events. The HomeDepot Backyard focuses on three key pillars - Arts and Culture, Health andWellness, and Inspired Learning - through offering a variety of activities fromdaily fitness classes to one-of-a-kind events focused on uplifting thecommunity. To learn more about The Home Depot Backyard, visit thehomedepotbackyard.com orfollow us at @thdbackyard on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok.   

About TheRussell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (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 Entrepreneurs. For more information visit www.RussellCenter.org,download the RICE Report Volume 1, and follow @RICEAtlanta on Instagram and Twitter and @RussellCenterAtlanta on Facebook. AndLinkedIn.

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