Award is part of Comcast’s national RISE program to support Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)- and women-owned small businesses
Comcast announced today it has awarded a technology makeover to BIPOC-owned small business SHWAXX, owned by Kevin Rodgers, in Atlanta. The recipient is one of more than 8,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who were selected as Comcast RISE awardees in the program’s fourth phase. RISE stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment.”
As part of the technology makeover, SHWAXX is receiving computer equipment and internet, voice, and mobile services for up to 12 months. Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.
SHWAXX is a barber and beauty haircare product manufacturing company specializing in shampoos, conditioners, hair butters, hair creams, pomades and styling gels. Their products are made specifically with the natural hair product industry in mind. A barber by trade, Rodgers originally started the company to soothe course beards, and eventually expanded into soothing and styling all types of hair.
Like many other small businesses during the pandemic, SHWAXX had to shift business models. They started selling their products on Amazon and now sell 500 to 600 products a day. It was important for Rodgers to have the technology necessary to back up the demand.
“When I found out I had won the RISE award, I was so overwhelmed I almost thought it was a joke,” said Rodgers. “Being wired to Comcast is everything to us. Our digital presence is kicking in thanks to the technology we received, and now we have the opportunity to connect with everyone.”
“Independent small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast. “It’s an honor to play a small role in SHWAXX’s continued success and we are thrilled to celebrate their recent technology makeover.”
SHWAXX is excited to attend the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas this summer where they will bring the technology they won. Kevin is excited to have each of his daughters run an iPad and help take customers’ orders.
Comcast RISE brings together two of the company’s brands —Comcast Business and Effectv, both with expertise in the small business space — to empower business owners with the expertise and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic.
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs, like Comcast RISE, and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
