Comcast RISE to Offer Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) - owned Small Businesses

Comcast RISE is a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative to help strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19

PLYMOUTH, MI - Comcast Corporation announced that Comcast RISE is opening up its second phase of eligibility to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses. These businesses can apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. Selected businesses will receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs.

The first phase of Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” launched in October and focused on U.S. Black-owned, small businesses, those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Last month, Comcast announced the first round of Comcast RISE award recipients —over 700 businesses. This includes 39 small businesses in Michigan, from restaurants and salons to professional services and retail shops.

Comcast RISE brings together two of the company’s brands —Comcast Business and Effectv, both with expertise in the small business space — to empower business owners with the expertise and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic. 

Comcast RISE consists of the following main components:

• A media and technology resources program: This pillar combines Effectv’s renowned media platform and marketing expertise, its award-winning creative agency, Mnemonic, and state-of-the-art technical support from Comcast Business to help small businesses foster and elevate growth. Recipients will receive help with their marketing, media campaigns and creation of 30-second commercials, as well as equipment and technology upgrades, including:
  • Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to grow your business. 
  • Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period.
  • Creative Production: Turnkey :30 TV commercial production for their businesses.
  • Technology Makeovers: Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.)
• Business resources to help with curated content: Comcast has launched the Comcast RISE destination complete with aggregated small business news, tips, insights and more on the X1 platform. The destination is designed to help businesses grow by empowering them through education, inspiration and entertainment. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.
• Grants: In early 2021, Comcast will award grants of up to $10,000 each for U.S.-based small and diverse businesses that have been in operations for three to five years. 

Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. 

Visit www.ComcastRISE.com to apply or for more information and the latest updates.