In November 2021, Comcast awarded $1 million in grants to 100 small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, in the Twin Cities. Comcast RISE is part of Comcast’s ongoing effort to advancing digital equity.
“As we continue to rebuild/recover and emerge from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our economy – and we must take every opportunity to help them thrive,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities. “Looking forward, Comcast RISE will continue to grow to include even more entrepreneurs, further empowering and strengthening even more small businesses that are the heart of our local communities across the country.”
From October 1, and through October 14, eligible businesses in the Twin Cities were invited to apply for a $10,000 grant at www.ComcastRISE.com. A total of 100 grants were awarded in November 2021. The Investment Fund is an extension of Comcast RISE, the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October 2020 to support small businesses owned by people of color and provide the resources and tools they need today and in the future.
In the Twin Cities, Investment Fund recipients include:
- The Greenery Minneapolis LLC
- Revival Training LLC
- Maraki Beauty Salon
- Stunning Beauty Supply
The full 100 businesses that received a $10,000 grant can be found here.
“This opportunity is a positive aspect to my business and the community. Not only will we be able to reach more future prospects, we’ll also be able to add a few employees to the team, said Henrietta Smaller of Stunning Beauty Supplies in Burnsville, Minnesota. “It feels great to know someone believes in me and my dream.”
In celebration of its one-year anniversary, Comcast RISE, which aims to uplift and support small businesses hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, also announced today its expansion to include all woman-owned small businesses nationwide, in 2022, regardless of race or ethnicity. Comcast RISE initially launched in 2020 to support small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, which were disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
