The Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE) within The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU is a national leader in advancing racial equity and informing public policy and governance for marginalized voices.
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Research and Analysis
RISE delivers equity briefs and reports on public policy issues, providing actionable strategies and insights to help policymakers improve conditions for marginalized populations.
Our Latest Work
See AllMarch 2024
Filling the Gap: Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs
This white paper examines current research, identifies best practices within the United States, and formulates recommendations to further equity in access, process, quality, and outcomes to inform thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, community influencers, and entrepreneurs on how to translate research into actions that benefit Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs within the entrepreneurial ecosystem from the greater Richmond community.
August 2023
2023 Create, Grow, Scale Entrepreneurship Convening: Summary Report
In partnership with Capital One Insights Center, the Research Institute for Social Equity (the Institute) hosted a convening to discuss the ecosystem around Black and Hispanic businesses in Richmond, Virginia. This full-day experience brought together thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, community influencers, and entrepreneurs from the greater Richmond community to strategize how to translate research into action toward economic outcomes that benefit Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. This summary paper offers an overview of the sessions and outcomes of this convening.
