Comcast's RISE program is set to make a significant impact in Southern Colorado by offering comprehensive grant packages to 100 small businesses severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative represents a critical lifeline for entrepreneurs striving to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economy. The program includes a $5,000 monetary grant, alongside a suite of resources designed to bolster business operations and growth potential.
J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast's Mountain West Region, highlighted the company's dedication to fostering small business success within the community. Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham also praised the program for its potential to empower local entrepreneurs through substantial support and investment. The grant packages extend beyond financial assistance, offering recipients a general business assessment and coaching, access to online entrepreneurship courses, and the production of a 30-second TV commercial complete with a media strategy consultation.
Furthermore, the program addresses the digital divide by providing computer equipment, internet, voice, and cybersecurity services for 12 months, ensuring businesses have the technological infrastructure needed to compete in today's digital marketplace. Applications for these transformative grant packages are open from May 1 through May 31, available at https://www.ComcastRISE.com. This initiative is a cornerstone of Comcast's larger 'Project UP,' a $1 billion commitment aimed at advancing digital equity and economic mobility for underserved communities.
The Comcast RISE program underscores the importance of corporate support in revitalizing small businesses, which are the backbone of the American economy. By providing not just financial resources but also educational and technological tools, Comcast is helping to level the playing field for small businesses in Southern Colorado, enabling them to recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of unprecedented challenges.
