The grant will establish a PayPal Retail Academy to support Atlanta-Area entrepreneurs.
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) today announced a $1 million grant from PayPal Holdings, Inc. to launch a PayPal Retail Academy, which will provide a robust curriculum of innovative coaching, specialized tools, and valuable resources to help entrepreneurs based in Atlanta grow their businesses.
As an extension of PayPal and RICE’s shared missions to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs, the PayPal Retail Academy will educate participants on every aspect of successfully starting and scaling a retail business. The curriculum will include training on non-traditional retail paths, up-leveling checkout and digitization, developing global marketing strategies, and navigating supply chain issues. Other key components will include research and recommendations to eliminate some of the barriers underrepresented retail SMBs face.
“Beyond education, this partnership symbolizes growth for our entrepreneurial community,” said Jay Bailey, President & CEO of RICE. “We recognize the paramount importance of harnessing retail avenues and embracing digital transformation. The PayPal Retail Academy will serve as a conduit for this knowledge, empowering RICE Stakeholders to navigate the complexities of retail with resilience and innovation. Every facet of the Academy is meticulously designed to elevate entrepreneurs to new heights.”
Participants in the PayPal Retail Academy will receive both financial and human capital. These entrepreneurs will be eligible to receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 alongside mentoring and coaching from PayPal employees.
RICE will manage and facilitate the formation of the Academy. The Academy will be open to all RICE member companies, known as Stakeholders, and businesses in the Atlanta-metro area with a focus on underrepresented communities. RICE Stakeholders are concentrated in the consulting,…
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