By Megan Kirk
Comcast Corporation is bringing marketing and technology resources to Black-, Indigenous- and People of Color-owned businesses. The initiative, designed for small businesses, is entering its second phase of eligibility and is looking to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comcast RISE, an acronym meaning Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment, launched its first phase in October to support Black-owned small businesses. The program is expanding its reach to include small businesses owned by People of Color and Indigenous. to assist those owners during these unprecedented times.
Marrying two of the company’s brands, Effectv and Comcast Business, the RISE program seeks to give small business owners the tools and knowledge necessary to survive the pandemic. Based on their individual needs, select businesses will receive consulting, media and production services from Effectv or technological upgrades through Comcast Business.
The advertising sales entity of Comcast Cable, Effectv assists advertisers on the local, regional, and national scale to develop their businesses through digital mediums and the gift of television. Comcast Business lends its help through television, Ethernet, Internet, Voice services, and Wi-Fi. Noted as the nation’s largest cable provider to small- and mid-sized businesses, Comcast Business also provides Managed Enterprise Solutions for companies looking to revamp.
The first phase of reward recipients included over 700 businesses with 39 of them in Michigan. RISE will provide essential services such as a 90-day tv media campaign, 30-second commercial production, and computer equipment and internet, along with one year of voice and cybersecurity services.
The RISE program will also offer business resources for curated content through its X1 platform.
Continuing to provide economic assistance to small businesses impacted by the pandemic, RISE is unveiling its plan for 2021. Next year, Comcast will award grants for up to $10,000 for companies that have been open for three to five years and are based in the United States.
Stemming from Comcast NBCUniversal’s multi-year $100 million plan for diversity, inclusion and equality, Comcast RISE gives small businesses of color the chance to thrive by distributing $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years.
For more information or to apply for the program, visit www.comcastrise.com.
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