Comcast announced its second round of cities to receive grants from its RISE Investment Fund. This allotment will specifically provide $6 million to “hundreds” of small, minority-owned businesses. In all, Comcast’s RISE initiative has allocated $11 million in grants.
The investment fund is an extension of Comcast RISE initiative, a multi-year, multi-faceted program created in October 2020 to support organizations with “the resources and tools they need today and in the future.” Comcast RISE – which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment” – provides options such as:
- Marketing Services.
- Creative Production.
- Technology Makeovers.
- Monetary Grants.
Eligible SMBs in Houston, Miami, Oakland, Seattle, the Twin Cities and Washington, D.C. can apply for up to $10,000 in awards, from October 1-14, 2021.
The most-recent 1,1000 recipients to date receive options such as a TV campaign; the production of a TV commercial; Effectv consulting services; computer equipment; Comcast Business internet, voice or cybersecurity services and access to the Ureeka online platform for entrepreneurs.
“While we know that no single organization can solve historic and systemic inequities overnight, we are committed to taking tangible actions that can drive long-term impact and change,” said Teresa Ward-Maupin, SVP, Digital and Customer Experience, Comcast Business. “Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund offer the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting our communities. This new round of Comcast RISE grants will provide more entrepreneurs of color with the resources and tools they need to scale their businesses and thrive for years to come.”
To date, Comcast has announced 4,700 awardees, with plans to support 13,000 small businesses by the end of 2022.
