Comcast RISE to Provide 100 Grand Rapids and Muskegon Small Businesses with Comprehensive Grant Packages

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has announced a new round of its Comcast RISE program, offering comprehensive grant packages to 100 small businesses in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and surrounding areas. Each package includes a $5,000 monetary grant, technology makeover, creative production services, media scheduling, educational resources, and business consultation.

Applications will be accepted from May 1 through May 31, 2025. The program is part of five regions selected nationwide, with a total of 500 grants to be announced in August. Recipients will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs previously supported through Comcast RISE since 2020.

The grant package includes computer equipment, Internet services, a professionally produced TV commercial with 180-day media schedule, 12-month access to entrepreneurship courses, and business coaching. The initiative is part of Comcast's Project UP, aimed at creating digital opportunities and fostering business growth in local communities.

Positive

• Investing $3 million in small business development across target regions
• Expanding digital inclusion initiative through comprehensive business support packages
• Building on successful program that has supported 14,000 entrepreneurs since 2020

Negative

• None.

Comcast RISE to Award $3 Million in Grants to 100 Local Small Businesses

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Comcast announced Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and surrounding areas will be one of five regions where eligible small businesses will have the opportunity receive grants through Comcast RISE. The program will provide 100 small businesses with comprehensive packages that include a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and business consultation services.    

Beginning on May 1, and through May 31, eligible businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon can apply for a grant package at www.ComcastRISE.com.

Grant packages will include:  

• TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER – Computer equipment and Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.)
• CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.)
• EDUCATION RESOURCES – 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules, and resources for small business owners.
• MONETARY GRANT – $5,000 monetary grant.
• COACHING SESSIONS – Business assessment and coaching that provides business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses.

"Small business owners in Grand Rapids and Muskegon serve as the economic and innovation engines of their communities," said Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President, Comcast Business, Heartland. "Comcast RISE is all about uplifting local entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small businesses, and our continued commitment to their success."

Grand Rapids and Muskegon are home to a number of former Comcast RISE winners, including Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids), Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars (Kentwood), A Solution B (Wyoming), and Servicios De Esperanza (Muskegon).  

"The saying is, 'business is never personal' – but we take the opposite approach," said Christian Boyd, owner of Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars. "We're so grateful to provide a service to the community, and I'm very grateful we were chosen to participate in Comcast RISE. For any eligible business thinking about applying for Comcast RISE this year, just go for it. It's an awesome opportunity you can't afford to pass up."  

A total of 100 grants per region, or 500 grants overall, will be announced in August. This year's recipients, across Grand Rapids and Muskegon, Boston, Nashville, Seattle, and South Valley, UT, will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through Comcast RISE since the program launched in 2020. 

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company's comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.  

More information on eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are available at  www.ComcastRISE.com.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.   

Media Contacts: 
Amy Pietzak 
248-318-8905 
amy_pietzak@comcast.com
https://michigan.comcast.com/

Samantha VanHoef
734-478-7118
samantha_vanhoef@comcast.com
https://michigan.comcast.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comcast-rise-to-provide-100-grand-rapids-and-muskegon-small-businesses-with-comprehensive-grant-packages-302426038.html

SOURCE Comcast

FAQ

What is the total value of Comcast RISE grants being awarded in Grand Rapids and Muskegon for CMCSA?

Comcast (CMCSA) will award $3 million in grants, distributed among 100 small businesses in the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas.

When can small businesses apply for the 2025 Comcast RISE grant package?

Applications will be accepted from May 1 through May 31, 2025, at www.ComcastRISE.com.

What benefits are included in the 2025 Comcast RISE grant package?

Each package includes a $5,000 grant, technology makeover, 30-second TV commercial, 180-day media schedule, 12-month access to educational resources, and business coaching.

How many businesses has Comcast RISE supported since its launch?

Since launching in 2020, Comcast RISE has supported 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide.