Helping Nashville's Small Businesses Thrive: 100 Grant Packages Available Through Comcast RISE

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has announced a new initiative to award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Nashville through its Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment (RISE) program. The program, part of Comcast's $1 billion Project UP commitment, will provide comprehensive support packages including:

• Technology makeover with computer equipment and services
• Creative production and media services
• Educational resources
• $5,000 monetary grant
• Business coaching sessions

Nashville is one of five regions selected for this initiative, alongside Boston, Grand Rapids, Seattle, and South Valley, with 500 total recipients joining 14,000 entrepreneurs previously supported since 2020. Applications will be open from May 1-31, 2025. The company has already invested over $9.5 million in Nashville-based digital inclusion initiatives and connected 680,000 low-income residents through its Internet Essentials program.

Positive

• Investment of $3 million in grants to support local businesses
• Expansion of successful program that has already supported 14,000 entrepreneurs
• Comprehensive support package including technology, media, education, and monetary assistance
• Part of larger $1 billion Project UP commitment

Negative

• to only 100 businesses in the Nashville area
• Short application window of one month

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast announced today it will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Nashville and surrounding areas as part of its Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment (RISE) program. This marks the second time Comcast RISE has supported small businesses in Nashville, emphasizing Comcast's continued commitment to the city's entrepreneurial community. RISE's mission is to champion the growth of small businesses across Nashville while promoting digital inclusion and accessibility. The grants will provide resources and tools to help bridge the digital divide and foster opportunity.

Nashville is one of five regions where 100 eligible small businesses will have the opportunity to receive grant packages through Comcast RISE, including Boston, MA, Grand Rapids, MI, Seattle, WA and South Valley, UT. These 500 total recipients will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through since the program launched in 2020.

"As a small business, we know firsthand how challenging it can be—scrambling for resources, building a network, and learning the ropes," said Derrick Moore, Emanuel Reed, and Clint Gray, founders of Slim & Husky's. "A program like Comcast RISE can be a game-changer. The guidance, financial support, and digital tools Comcast RISE offers are exactly what Nashville's entrepreneurs need to take their vision to the next level."

Nashville-based small businesses can apply to receive comprehensive grant packages through Comcast RISE that include:

• TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for 12 months.
• CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA - Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule.
• 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.

For more information or to apply, visit www.comcastrise.com. The application will be open May 1 – May 31.

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company's $1 billion commitment to create digital opportunity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.

Digital opportunity means ensuring every Nashvillian, regardless of location or income, has the broadband access, digital tools, and skills needed to succeed in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

"Nashville is a city of innovators and go-getters, and initiatives like Comcast RISE are vital to providing local entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to thrive," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "This program will uplift our small business community, drive economic growth, and ensure that opportunities extend to every corner of our city."

Over 20 Years of Dedicated Support to Nashville Communities

Comcast has partnered with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations in Nashville for over 20 years to promote digital inclusion.

"Our goal is to unlock possibilities for all Nashvillians: Project UP is about ensuring that everyone has the tools and opportunities to succeed," said Mike McArdle, Senior Vice President, Big South Region, Comcast. "With programs like Comcast RISE, we are helping small businesses navigate challenges, grow, and ultimately create a stronger, more connected community."

In the last three years alone, Comcast has donated more than $9.5 million to Nashville-based organizations and initiatives focused on digital inclusion. Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 680,000 low-income Nashvillians to the Internet at home through its Internet Essentials program, which provides low-cost broadband Internet service to eligible low-income families. Comcast has also established seven Lift Zones in Nashville, offering free Internet access in safe community spaces for students to study, adults to build skills, access healthcare resources, and search for jobs.

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
Portia Akins
Portia_Akins@comcast.com
(470) 322-0332

Grace Mains
Grace_Mains@comcast.com
(678) 266-8673

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SOURCE Comcast

FAQ

What benefits do Nashville businesses receive from the Comcast RISE grant package in 2025?

Recipients receive a technology makeover, 30-second TV commercial, 12-month access to educational resources, $5,000 monetary grant, and business coaching sessions.

When can Nashville businesses apply for the 2025 Comcast RISE grant (CMCSA)?

Applications will be open from May 1 to May 31, 2025, through www.comcastrise.com.

How many businesses will receive Comcast RISE grants in Nashville for 2025?

100 small businesses in Nashville will receive grant packages as part of the program.

What is Comcast's total investment in Nashville's digital inclusion initiatives?

Comcast has donated over $9.5 million to Nashville-based organizations for digital inclusion in the last three years.