Comcast has made a significant impact on small businesses in Southern Colorado through its RISE program, awarding $500,000 in grants and services to 100 selected businesses. The initiative, focused on Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, provides a mix of financial support, technology upgrades, marketing assistance, and educational resources. This effort was celebrated during Comcast RISE Day, an event that underscored the importance of small businesses to the local economy and the broader community.
The selection of Southern Colorado as one of only five communities nationwide for the 2024 Comcast RISE program highlights the region's significance in Comcast's strategy to promote economic development. J.D. Keller, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast Mountain West Region, reiterated the company's dedication to empowering local businesses, stating the program's goal is to ensure these businesses can thrive and make a sustainable impact.
Recipients of the Comcast RISE grants, such as Erin Welch of RAD Hostel and Rique Lucero of ColorSplashPaintball, shared how the program's resources are poised to transform their operations and growth prospects. The event also facilitated connections with local resources and offered insights into leveraging artificial intelligence for business success, presented by Jonathan Liebert of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado.
Part of Comcast's broader $1 billion Project UP initiative, the RISE program aims to advance digital equity and economic mobility. By focusing on Southern Colorado, Comcast RISE not only addresses immediate financial needs but also invests in the long-term technological and educational advancement of small businesses, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the region's economic landscape.
For more details on the Comcast RISE program, visit https://www.comcastrise.com.
