Recently, Comcast introduced its Comcast RISE program to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who own small businesses. The acronym RISE stands for representation, investment, strength, and empowerment.
“We know that Comcast alone can’t remedy this complex issue,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. “But you have my commitment that our company will try to play an integral role in driving lasting reform. Together, we hope to help create a more equitable, just and inclusive society.”
The corporation is developing a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate $100 million to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. There will be $75 million in cash and $25 million in media that will be distributed over the next three years, in addition to the existing commitments, the company currently supports thousands of organizations in underrepresented communities through its Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and social impact programs, adds Roberts.
Comcast’s initiative includes coordinating with business leaders across Comcast, NBCUniversal and Sky platforms to build programs, allocate resources, and partner with national and local organizations to drive meaningful change.
The Comcast RISE program includes the following components:
- A media and technology resources program combining Effectv’s renowned media platform and marketing expertise and state-of-the-art technical support from Comcast Business to help small businesses foster and elevate growth.
- In early 2021, Comcast will award grants of up to $10,000 each for U.S.-based small and diverse businesses that have been in operations for three to five years.
- Comcast launched the Comcast RISE platform to aggregate small business news, tips, insights, and more, providing business resources for targeted companies.
Eligible business owners can visit ComcastRISE.com to fill out an application. The current application round will close on Feb. 7, 2021.