Comcast Provides Critical Education, Resources and Networking Opportunities to 100 Memphis Small Businesses

After awarding 100 small businesses in Memphis with monetary, marketing and technology grants earlier this year, Comcast RISE hosted an in-person event called Comcast RISE Day in Memphis to provide ongoing support, education, resources and network opportunities to recipients.

In September, Comcast awarded 100 businesses in Memphis comprehensive grant packages through Comcast RISE which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule and a technology makeover. To provide ongoing investment and help ensure the long-term success of these small businesses, which are the bedrock of economic growth in their communities, Comcast RISE brought together grant recipients for an in-person event on Nov. 2.

The event connected Comcast RISE recipients to additional resources to help them thrive, including:

• Education – Content and resources that recipients can use to improve business effectiveness
• Collaboration – A forum where the business owners shared knowledge and best practices with each other
• Networking – Opportunities to discuss ideas with local elected officials, local business leaders, as well as introduction to national and local partner institutions
• Recognition – Recognition of their business success and for being selected as a Comcast RISE recipient—this included the creation of a business directory of local RISE winners

The Comcast RISE recipients in this round are among the more than 13,500 entrepreneurs nationwide, and 200 small businesses in Memphis, who have received grants through the program to date. Comcast RISE has awarded over $125 million in monetary, marketing and technology grants since 2020 and was created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a focus on economic growth.

Comcast RISE Days took place in five cities: Baltimore, Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia and Portland, OR. A total of 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall were awarded in September 2023.
A sample of Memphis grant recipients include:

ARCHd
Muggin Coffeehouse

The full list of Memphis and Shelby County winners can be viewed here.

“We are excited to be one of the recipients of this grant – not just for how the grant will positively impact Muggin Coffeehouse, but also for what Comcast RISE stands for,” said Ken and Mary Olds of Muggin’ Coffeehouse. “Comcast truly does things that impact the city of Memphis and communities alike, whether it is an investment in small businesses or empowering youth serving organizations, they stand on their word.”
“There could not be a better time for ARCHd to receive this incredible grant from Comcast,” said Kristen Archer, Owner of ARCHd. “As we embark on our newest journey of being first-time shop owners in downtown Memphis, this grant and support from the Comcast RISE program will play a crucial role in our success.”

“Last year, we introduced Comcast RISE Days as a way to continue supporting the long-term success of small businesses in the communities we serve,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Cable. “Comcast RISE began to help businesses survive during the pandemic, today we are helping businesses and their communities achieve stronger economic growth over the long term by building meaningful connections and relationships.”

Any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X1 platform featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights and more. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com.