Comcast has announced the selection of 100 small businesses in the Greater Houston area as recipients of comprehensive grant packages through its RISE program. These businesses join over 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have benefited from the initiative since its inception in November 2020. The Comcast RISE program, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, was initially created to assist small businesses heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since evolved to focus on fostering economic growth and supporting the development of small businesses in local communities.
Each grant package includes a $5,000 monetary grant, business consultation services, educational resources, creative production assistance, media scheduling, and a technology makeover. These comprehensive resources are designed to provide small business owners with the tools and support needed to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Among the Houston-area recipients are Red Circle Ice Cream in southwest Houston and Miyagi Ken International Karate Academy in Spring. Nickey Ngo, owner of Red Circle Ice Cream, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I'm speechless. As a small business, this means the world to us. We're a small mom and pop ice cream shop, doing everything by ourselves. I feel like I won the lottery. Comcast RISE will help grow my business and keep up with the competition."
Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses: "Supporting small businesses means investing in the heart of our communities. 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." The grant packages offered through Comcast RISE are comprehensive, including coaching sessions, educational resources, monetary grants, creative production and media services, and technology upgrades. These resources are designed to address various aspects of business growth and development, from strategic planning to marketing and technological infrastructure.
In addition to the Greater Houston area, this round of grants also includes recipients in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA, and southern Colorado. A total of 500 grants were announced, with 100 grants allocated per city. The Comcast RISE program is part of Project UP, Comcast's broader $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity. This initiative aims to connect people to the Internet, promote economic mobility, and create opportunities for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators.
As small businesses continue to play a crucial role in local economies, programs like Comcast RISE provide vital support for their growth and sustainability. By offering a combination of financial assistance, business expertise, and technological resources, the program aims to strengthen the foundation of community-based enterprises and contribute to overall economic development. The impact of these grants extends beyond individual businesses, potentially stimulating job creation, fostering innovation, and enhancing the vibrancy of local communities. As recipients like Red Circle Ice Cream and Miyagi Ken International Karate Academy leverage these resources, they may serve as catalysts for growth in their respective neighborhoods.
For small business owners interested in learning more about the program, Comcast has made resources available through their X1 platform. Customers can access aggregated small business news, tips, and insights by saying "Comcast RISE" into their voice remote. As the program continues to evolve, it represents a significant investment in the small business ecosystem, particularly in underserved communities. By providing targeted support to diverse entrepreneurs, Comcast RISE aims to create a more inclusive and resilient small business landscape across the United States.
