Now in its fourth year, Comcast RISE
celebrates having provided 14,000 businesses with more than
$140 million in monetary, marketing,
and technology grants to date
ATLANTA, Aug. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Comcast announced the 100
businesses in Atlanta that will
receive comprehensive grant packages, which include business
consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, advertising production,
paid media spend, and a technology makeover. Those 100 Atlanta
recipients announced today join the ranks of more than 14,000
entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected and benefited from
the Comcast RISE program to date.
"According to data from the Small Business Association (SBA),
small businesses make up two-thirds of new jobs which leads to
increased competition among businesses and drives innovation," said
Mike McArdle, Regional Senior Vice
President, Comcast South Region. "Comcast RISE is just one of many
ways Comcast invests locally in the communities we serve. We are
proud to be a part of helping grow small businesses and
entrepreneurship and drive the economy in Atlanta through Comcast RISE."
Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small
businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity,
and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was
created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a
focus on economic growth. This year Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and southern Colorado were chosen as RISE cities, receiving
a total of 100 grants per city which were announced today and will
be awarded in September 2024.
"Supporting small businesses means investing in the heart of our
communities," said Loren Hudson, SVP
and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast.
"By empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the
skills and resources they need to grow and succeed, we help ensure
our local neighborhoods can flourish and thrive too."
A sample of Atlanta's grant
recipients include:
- BStarPR, LLC – A public relations and marketing firm
specializing in publicity, digital and experiential marketing
- StandPoint Wellness – A holistic wellness clinic focused on
trauma-informed, personalized counseling and therapy services
- Takes A Village Transportation – A family and community
transportation company specializing in transporting students ages
four – 17 to and from after-school programs and activities
"This grant has been on my radar for a few years. I've seen the
impact RISE has made on businesses nationwide, but more
specifically in NYC and Atlanta,"
said Brandy Merriweather, owner of
BStarPR. "RISE will enable me to scale my business, and with the
financial and educational resources provided, I will be able to
take my business to the next level and serve more clients."
Comcast RISE was created in November
2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from
bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning
services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover.
The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the
pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a
focus on economic growth through resources that includes:
COACHING SESSIONS - Business assessment
and coaching that provide business owners with recommendations on
how to help grow their businesses.
EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month
access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and
resources for small business owners.
MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary
grant.
CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA –
Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media
strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes
and other fees may apply for production and media services.)
TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer
equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12
months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover
services.)
In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE
destination on X1 featuring aggregated small business news, tips,
insights, and more. X1 customers can say "Comcast RISE" into the
voice remote.
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company's $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity
through programs and community partnerships that connect people to
the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next
generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and
creators.
More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and
technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide,
to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach
hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide.
We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through
Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream
leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including
NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and
Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and
attractions to life through Universal Destinations &
Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more
information.
Media Contact:
Erica Crosling
(404) 316-6545
erica_crosling@comcast.com
https://south.comcast.com/
Portia Akins
(470) 322-0332
portia_akins@comcast.com
https://south.comcast.com
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SOURCE Comcast