Comcast's RISE program is set to make a significant impact in Southern Colorado by offering comprehensive grant packages to 100 small businesses severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative includes a $5,000 monetary grant, alongside a suite of resources designed to bolster business operations and growth. J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast's Mountain West Region, highlighted the program's goal of supporting and empowering small businesses within the community, a sentiment shared by Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham, who praised the program for its potential to empower entrepreneurs.
The grant packages extend beyond financial assistance, offering recipients a general business assessment and coaching, access to online entrepreneurship courses, and the production of a 30-second TV commercial complete with a media strategy consultation. Additionally, businesses will benefit from computer equipment and internet, voice, and cybersecurity services for a year, addressing critical needs in today's digital economy. These resources aim to provide a holistic approach to business recovery and growth, ensuring recipients have the tools and knowledge to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Applications for the Comcast RISE program are open from May 1 through May 31, with interested businesses encouraged to apply at https://www.ComcastRISE.com. This initiative is part of Comcast's larger 'Project UP,' a $1 billion commitment to advancing digital equity and supporting economic mobility for underrepresented communities. By focusing on small businesses, Comcast RISE addresses a critical segment of the economy, offering a beacon of hope and a pathway to recovery for those hardest hit by the pandemic's economic fallout.
