Disney Hosts Exclusive Learning Events for Small Business Owners at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs  – Disney Experiences

Disney Experiences hosted four key activations at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in conjunction with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) annual conference held in Atlanta, GA the week of October 20, 2024.

Three activations supported small business growth and networking, while one provided high school and HBCU students with information on exciting Disney career opportunities hosted by Disney On The Yard, the company’s initiative to support HBCU students. These events – strategically hosted when thousands of businesses and procurement professionals were in town investing in small businesses – provided entrepreneurs with access to world-class tools, mentorship, and networks that are essential for growth and success in the business world. 

“Disney is proud of our ongoing collaboration with RICE to share best practices and to build meaningful connections with diverse small businesses,” Ralph Sagaille, Director of Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Diversity, said. “At Disney, we know an inclusive approach to sourcing is important to build innovative, high-quality business solutions while supporting job growth and economic opportunity in our communities.” 

Since 2022, Disney has donated more than $1 million to RICE, shared best practices with its stakeholders, and built meaningful connections with diverse small businesses. This ongoing support is just one of the many ways the company supports small businesses and benefits from an exchange of innovative new ideas.  

Unlocking the Magic: A Deep Dive into Supplier Diversity 

Facilitated by Disney Supplier Diversity leaders Ralph Sagaille and Ankit Brahmkshatri, the “Unlocking the Magic: A Deep Dive into Supplier Diversity” session brought together members of RICE’s Supply Chain Accelerator community, RICE partners, and local leaders committed to advancing entrepreneurship and business innovation to discuss intricacies of supplier diversity, shedding light on strategies and principles that can open doors for businesses looking to work with corporations.

RICE & Disney On The Yard Career Information Session 

In collaboration with RICE, Disney curated and hosted a powerful information session for high school students, students from Georgia State University, and students from HBCUs Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta and others. At the event, students learned about pathways and potential career opportunities in business and entrepreneurships and explored exciting career offerings and programs at RICE Disney.

Unlocking Resources: Your Roadmap to Small Business Success! 

Moderated by Jeff Jones from Disney Experiences Public Affairs, “Unlocking Resources: Your Roadmap to Small Business Success!” session featured a dynamic discussion with small business development experts to educate RICE stakeholders on key resources and guidance for small businesses, including access to capital, federal contract qualifications, and becoming a certified minority business enterprise. 

RICE Open House Sponsored by Disney 

Small businesses face several challenges when working with large corporations. To address this, Disney hosted an exclusive event aimed to create a space for meaningful business connections, allowing procurement professionals from various companies and industries to connect directly with certified RICE entrepreneurs. Business owners were able to showcase their products, services, and capabilities as they explored potential partnerships with leading corporations.