On April 15, Comcast announced at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) that Atlanta will be one of the cities eligible for the Comcast RISE program this year. Comcast will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in and around Metro Atlanta as part of its Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment (RISE) program.
Atlanta-based small businesses can apply to receive grant packages through RISE that include:
- Consultation: Assessment of business and tactical planning; business-to-business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business.
- Educational resources: Educational content and resources tailored specifically for entrepreneurs.
- Monetary grant: A grant to invest in growth and sustainability.
- Creative production and media: Production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and 180-day media placement schedule.
- Technology makeover: Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months.
For more information or to apply, visit www.comcastrise.com. The application is open May 1 – May 31.
RISE is part of Project UP, a 10-year, $1 billion Comcast initiative designed to make digital equity a reality. Comcast has also provided $1 Million dollars in support to the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). The announcement at RICE included speakers Pinky Cole, Founder of Slutty Vegan, Mike McArdle, Senior Vice-President of the Southeast Region, and Jay Bailey, President & CEO of RICE.
“Black entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s booming economy,” said Jay Bailey. “Through RISE and its generous gifts to RICE and other local organizations, Comcast is investing in Atlanta’s entrepreneurs and its future.”
In the last three years alone, Comcast has made more than $48.5 million in donations to Atlanta-based organizations and initiatives focused on digital equity. Digital equity is achieved when people have access to affordable internet, a computer and the digital skills and resources they need to succeed in school, work and business, regardless of which part of Atlanta they live in or how much money they make.
The Russell Center is honored to partner with Comcast and look forward to Black entrepreneurs in the RICE ecosystem taking advantage of this pivotal opportunity. Be sure to apply when applications open on May 1st! Enjoy photos of the event taken by Founding 100 RICE Stakeholder Adrian Shelby here: RICE X COMCAST 4.15.2024 :: Adrian Shelby Photography (sproutstudio.com) and watch the video recap on YouTube!
