Comcast’s RISE program Set to Give Houston Area Small Businesses $500K Boost, Tech Makeovers and More

Cash, computers, advertising and business instincts are all necessary ingredients needed for entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. Soon, 100 eligible Houston area small businesses will get that kind of help, thanks to Comcast’s RISE program- a national initiative that aims to help small businesses thrive and grow.

This year in southeast Texas, Comcast RISE will offer a total of $500,000 in grants along with technology makeovers, marketing assistance, coaching sessions, and education resources. Houston is one of only five cities in the nation where the program is active.

One hundred Houston area businesses will receive:

• MONETARY GRANT – $5,000 monetary grant.
• COACHING SESSIONS – General business assessment and coaching that provides business owners with recommendations on how to grow their businesses.
• EDUCATION RESOURCES – 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners.
• CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Turnkey production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and 180-day media placement schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.)
• COMCAST BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER – Computer equipment, Internet, voice and cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.)

Eligible businesses must be:

• Independently owned and operated
• Established for three years or more
• Have no more than 100 employees
• Based in the Houston area

APPLICATIONS:

From May 1 to May 31, eligible Houston area businesses can apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. The 2024 Comcast RISE winners will be announced in August.

Previous recipients, like Mala Sichuan Bistro and 132 Design, have praised Comcast RISE for its impact.

“Comcast RISE came in with support at the perfect time,” Ashley Gomez, co-founder of 132 Design, said. “We didn’t just expand our reach. We were plugged into a community of support.”

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, Comcast’s initiative to promote digital equity and economic mobility. Now in its fourth year, the program has distributed over $125 million in grants to 13,500 small businesses nationwide.

For southeast Texas entrepreneurs, Comcast RISE offers a lifeline of hope and opportunity in uncertain times.

For more information and to apply, visit www.ComcastRISE.com.