Recently, small businesses have been dealing with the ongoing
impact of the pandemic, social unrest and environmental events. Small
businesses owned by people of color have been some of the hardest hit.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, between February and
April 2020, the number of active Black-owned businesses declined by 41%,
Latinx-owned businesses declined by 32% and Asian-owned businesses dropped by
25%, versus just 21% for the general population.
Comcast RISE was created to invest in the success of these critical businesses by providing valuable and practical support.
Comcast Rise program benefits
Selected businesses could receive one or more of the following
elements:
Consulting
Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv
marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to
grow your business
Media
A linear TV media schedule, over a 90-day period
Creative production
Turnkey production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media
strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule
Technology makeover
Computer equipment and internet, voice and cybersecurity services
for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover
services.)
Monetary grants
In March, Comcast RISE announced $5 million in grants to 500
businesses across select metropolitan areas. Each business received $10,000 to
invest in its own growth and sustainability. The grants were awarded in May. A second
round of funding with an additional $6 million in grants to 600 businesses will
be awarded in November. Stay tuned for more information on the next round,
coming soon.
There are separate applications for the marketing and technology
services awards and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund. Eligible business owners
may apply for either, or both programs.
Marketing services and tech makeovers
There are separate applications for the marketing and technology services awards and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund. Eligible business owners may apply for either, or both programs.
Applications for the next wave of Comcast RISE Marketing &
Technology Services are open and will close on Jan. 15, 2022.