Comcast RISE packages offer help with technology, creative production, media and a $5,000 grant
Small businesses in Kent looking for a boost may find what they’re looking for through the return of the popular Comcast RISE small business grant program.
Through the program – initially launched in 2020 to help strengthen and empower small business hit hard by COVID-19 – Comcast will award 100 small businesses in King County with more than $3 million in monetary, marketing and technology grants. The grant packages include a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant and business consultation services.
According to Comcast RISE guidelines, to be eligible to apply, small businesses in Kent need to have no more than 100 full- and part-time employees. They must also have been in business for two years, generated revenue in the past 12 months and have an owner who is at least 18 years old. The application window runs May 1-31.
The return of the Comcast RISE program comes at a time when small businesses are navigating some choppy waters. According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report last month, revenue concerns are surging as inflation remains a dominant challenge for small businesses. The concern for inflation reached a new high with 58% of small business owners reporting inflation as a top concern. Further, more than 1 in 3 small business owners are concerned about revenue, the highest share since 2021.
“Small business owners are facing significant financial concerns and economic uncertainty, and we want to help,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President for Comcast in the Pacific Northwest. “Among the many things we all love about the greater Seattle area is our vibrant small businesses community, and we strongly encourage small business owners, including those in Kent, to apply to Comcast RISE. This program is designed to give you the resources to help your business thrive and contribute to the economic growth and resilience of our community.”
In a statement, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said he hears directly from small businesses in King County about the challenges they’re facing, which range from inflation to public safety concerns.
“That’s why we’re excited to welcome the Comcast RISE grant program back to not just Seattle, but all of King County, which offers more than just financial support, but critical investments in technology, marketing and operations to help businesses stabilize, grow and succeed,” he said. “Our local economy depends on all of us – public and private sectors – working together and leveraging our resources to build a stronger and more resilient economy.”
From May 1-31, eligible small businesses in Kent and across King County can apply for the Comcast RISE program at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in August. Throughout the rest of April and May, local small businesses can learn more about the Comcast RISE program, eligibility requirements and how to apply by attending free information sessions being held by Comcast RISE community partner organizations, including the Bellevue Chamber, Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and Tabor 100.
