Comcast RISE program lends a hand to more than 700 Black-owned SMBs

Comcast's RISE program is providing more than 700 Black-owned businesses support including technology upgrades from Comcast Business. Awards in the program can also include consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, which is the advertising division of Comcast Cable. The first phase of Comcast RISE -- which stands for “representation, investment, strength and empowerment” -- was focused on U.S. Black-owned, small businesses. The Comcast RISE recipients in 285 cities in 29 states included a diverse roster of small business from restaurants and salons, to professional services and retail shops. Comcast RISE is a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October to help strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19. As part of the next step, Comcast RISE eligibility has been opened up to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses.