Disney is deeply committed to investing in small businesses of various backgrounds, sizes, and industries. By creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, Disney helps build a lasting impact that ripples through local communities across the country.
One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is Disneyโs ongoing support of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). A new report from Oxford Economics highlights how this kind of support contributes to Walt Disney World Resortโs broader economic impact on Florida.
What Is RICE?
RICE is a nonprofit based in Atlanta, Georgia, focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs by removing the barriers that often prevent them from thriving. One of its core programs is the Supply Chain Accelerator Program (SCAP), which Disney has supported for three years. The program serves Black-owned small businessesโ66% of which are women-ledโthat are prepared to work with large corporations.
Disney also sponsors Digital RICE, a new virtual platform that allows the nonprofit to reach and serve entrepreneurs across the U.S. Together, these investments total over $1 million, making Disney the lead sponsor for both initiatives.
Experiential Learning at Walt Disney World
Beyond funding, Disney provides hands-on learning opportunities. Recently, 48 small business owners from RICE participated in a 3-day immersive experience at Walt Disney World Resort.
Participants attended professional development workshops led by Disney Institute, covering leadership, guest service, and operational excellence. These lessons mirror the same principles that guide operations across Disney Parks, creating actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs.
Real Inspiration, Real Impact
For Charmaine Gibbs-West, CEO of Essence Tree, the experience was transformative.
โAs an entrepreneur, weโre trying to build businesses like Disney. I want the women I serve to feel just as magical and seen.โ
Sessions like โPitch with Pixie Dust,โ and โNemo Tank,โ offered fun, practical tips on pitching to investors. The group capped off the event with a visit to EPCOT and a graduation ceremony featuring Mickey Mouse.
Connecting Entrepreneurs with Disney Leaders
During the program, 30 Disney cast members from marketing, consumer products, sourcing, and other departments joined a networking mixer.
The event gave RICE participants a chance to receive advice, share ideas, and establish business connections that may grow into future partnerships.
Joni Wilson Ferguson, Director of Learning & Development at Disney Experiences, shared:
โMy favorite moment was seeing mothers and children running companies togetherโpassing down knowledge and building wealth.โ
One entrepreneur who stood out was Chantel Powell, founder of Play Pits, who turned her sonโs needs into a thriving product line.
The Vendor Perspective: Disney Panel Highlights
Participants also heard from current Disney small business vendors. Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO of World of Epi, emphasized the importance of storytelling in product design.
โWorking with Disney showed me how storytelling can elevate a productโs purpose.โ
Michael D. Young, CEO of ACY Constructors, advised:
โItโs about knowing who you are and staying the course. Thatโs how you thrive through business challenges.โ
His words and story resonated with many attendeesโespecially since he once stood in their shoes.
Building the Future, Together
Since 2022, Disneyโs partnership with RICE has helped shape the future workforce and elevate diverse voices. With Digital RICE, that reach now goes national.
The journey for these small business owners is just beginning, and thanks to programs like SCAP and partners like Disney, the future looks bright.
To learn more about how Disney works with and supports small businesses, check out Michaelโs story. Disney small business support
