Michelle Pluskota, vice president of business services for Comcast, is in a giving mood, not just for Detroit, but for the entire Heartland Region which encompasses Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. But Detroit residential – and particularly business con- sumers – will reap the benefits on an unprecedented level.
“We want to be the network that powers Detroit’s comeback,” explains Pluskota. “Specifically, in terms of upgrades we’ve made in Detroit. We sat down about 16 months ago and asked ‘what are we doing in Detroit?’ And although we’ve done a lot, we can do more.”
Comcast has embarked on an ambitious and extensive network building program called a proactive build. The cutting edge cable company is taking the initiative of upgrading the core of the network in Detroit and extend plant services both in Midtown and downtown in order to establish a foundation for growth in the area.
Although Comcast is best known as the cable company that brings cable services to individual homes in metropolitan Detroit, one of its most recognized achievements is for providing the first and largest 40 gig network in the nation. While it may sound like Greek to the fiber optic layman, suffice it to say that Comcast can guarantee through service level agreements with Enterprise, the companies small business service arm, that it can provide service which is monitored 24/7 and will operate without interruption 99.999 percent of the time.
“Actually when I took the job it was because they showed me the network map and I was blown away,” said an excited Pluskota.
As part of Comcast’s contribution to the revitalization of Detroit, the company will open a store in downtown Detroit at 3907 Woodward Ave. near Selden, in the first quarter of 2016.
Comcast’s already extensive core network in Detroit provides residential services to thousands of households using a fiber-based delivery method. “That very successful core business translates to opportunities in the business services space. And on top of that when we said ‘we are going to go do service for Enterprise [companies of 25 or more employees] and we’re going to do it right.’ The investment in Michigan alone was $20 million … to be able to deliver Enterprise grade level metro Ethernet. It is fiber-based with a service level agreement and speeds up to 10 gig, or a 100 gig, there’s really no limit,” explains Pluskota.
Comcast is also a friend to non-profits, having invested more than $1 million in local non-profits and community-based organizations. Detroit Rescue Mission is a primary benefactor of Comcast services which provides cable, Internet and voice services to all eight DRMM locations. Although DRMM’s Highland Park location was not on the Comcast network, the company ab- sorbed the cost of including it and pro- viding service. “I said, we’ll just write the check, because it is for a very good cause. We provide all the data which is critical for the people who are in those facilities. They are trying to get back on their feet, they’re trying to attain job skills, and they also need the Internet for security and the security systems within those physical buildings,” said an empassioned Pluskota.
It’s noteworthy that with Comcast’s entry level Internet business, custom- ers get the advantage of building a three- page website.
“When you’re in that first year, which is so critical, you have to have the right technolgy for success,” Pluskota said. “Comcast Business has many resourc- es to aid small businesses. We even provide a library of articles for busiess growth, development and sustainability. We want to see as many jobs come into this city and as many businesses suc- ceed as possible. So there is a lot there from an IT perspective and building your network, to how you make your net- work help you and your business make money.”
On Jan. 28, Comcast will offer an entrepreneurial workshop facilitated by the nationally renowned author, speak- er and business expert, Patrick Schwertdtfegeer. He has been seen on and con- tributed to Bloomberg Business, CNN, CNBC and Forbes business news outlets to name a few. Scwertdtfeger will share his wealth of expertise specifically with Detroit-based businesses. The work- shop is free and open to the public and will be held at Tech Town, which is partnering in the event.
Comcast Business will also host Robert Irvine for a rare appearance to speak with entrepreneurs this year. Irvine’s busy schedule precludes him from makimg many appearances and Comcast Business looks forward to hosting Irvine in Detroit. Pluskota, says it’s a real coup to get Irvine. “He is really from that hospitality perspective of how you make technology help your business survive and thrive. You really need it to be competitive, not only in the restaurant space, but in the hotel space, and we really try to connect those dots for customers.”
On March 10, Comcast will host the ‘Tomorrow Tour’ in Detroit, an ongoing entrepreneurial program. “Our mission is to gather the tech community to provide resources, education and define economies for the future,” explained Pamela Dover, Senior Director of Business Development for Comcast Business. “We will host workshops and bring in speakers. In August during Tech Week, created by Comcast, we will host another free business development event,” adds Dover.
Comcast is also urging Detroit business owners to participate in one of several statewide contests for small businesses. Business owners are en- couraged to apply online for the Innovations for Entrepreneurs contest for a chance to win $30,000.
To date, Comcast’s considerable giving portfolio for the Detroit metropol- itan area is $4.6 million.
“We provide resources and our employees give of their time to help business succeed,” concludes a beaming Pluskota.
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