Comcast Rise is a small-business grant program that focuses on promoting business growth, particularly in the area of technology. The program awards small businesses with a $5,000 grant, business consultation services, education resources, creative production, media schedules and technology makeovers.
Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.
In 2024, Comcast RISE awarded 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, education resources, monetary grants, creative production, media schedules, and technology makeovers.
From May 1st through the 31st, eligible small businesses in Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Richmond, VA, and Southern Colorado areas will be able to apply. A total of 100 grants per location, or 500 grants in total, will be announced and awarded in August 2024.
As small businesses transition from pandemic recovery to a focus on expansion and growth, we want to help them accelerate growth to become thriving contributors to their local communities and economies.
Program eligibility
Program eligibility includes all small business owners, while maintaining a focus on diversity, inclusion and community investment.
Please see below for a list of eligibility requirements. You do not need to be a Comcast, Effectv or Xfinity customer to be eligible.
- Owner is at least 18 years of age or older, and is the primary decision maker for, and is actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of the business
- No more than 100 full-time and part-time employees
- Established business operations for at least three calendar years
- Business has been revenue generating in the 12 months prior to the application window
- Business is located and operating in one of following geographies (as defined by Comcast via ZIP code HERE):
- Atlanta, GA
- Houston, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Richmond, VA
- Southern Colorado
- Business is independently owned-and-operated (e.g., not a franchise location)
- Employees and independent contractors of Comcast Corporation, Ernst & Young, Hello Alice or LinkedIn, and each of their respective parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are not eligible to enter or win
- Business owner has no prior felony convictions, tax-related convictions, or child support delinquency convictions
- Business owner may not currently be serving (either in a full time or part time capacity) as a federal, state, or local government or quasi-government official or employee
Not Eligible:
501c3 organizations, chamber organizations, educational institutions, political advertisers, marijuana dispensaries, manufacturers or retailers of drug paraphernalia, virtual MVPDs, Internet Service Providers and resellers, gun manufacturers or retailers, fireworks manufacturers or retailers, tobacco/vape manufacturers or retailers, illegal products or services providers, adult entertainment companies (including, but not limited to gentlemen’s clubs, adult toy stores, adult magazines, and adult programming services), and ride sharing service providers (including independent contractors of ride sharing companies) are NOT eligible to apply. In addition, faith-based organizations and prior Comcast RISE recipients are not eligible to apply.
How are applications judged?
Applications are evaluated based on the completeness of submission, demonstrated need of the business, ability to articulate a plan for business growth and how a Comcast RISE award can aid in that growth strategy. Applications will also be evaluated on the business’ ability to articulate and/or demonstrate how they work to uplift their local community by advancing DEI initiatives or otherwise investing in the community’s local economic health.