Comcast Celebrates 2024 Rise Grant Recipients
$500K in grants awarded to 100 small businesses in Metro Atlanta
Comcast brought together more than 100 Comcast RISE recipients, partners, local officials, Comcast leaders and more from across Metro Atlanta for Comcast RISE Day: an evening of education, collaboration, networking and recognition.
The Comcast RISE program awarded a total of $500,000 in grants along with technology makeovers, marketing assistance, coaching sessions and education resources to 100 small businesses in Metro Atlanta this year. Atlanta is one of five communities in the nation chosen for the 2024 program.
“Being part of Comcast RISE has provided us with invaluable resources and support,” said Amia Mize, Founder of Takes A Village Transportation. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and are confident that this program will greatly benefit our business as we continue to grow.”
Comcast RISE Day was a way 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 is dedicated to empowering small businesses with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Our ongoing commitment to these entrepreneurs reflects our belief in their potential to drive economic growth and innovation in our communities,” said Mike McArdle, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President. “Comcast RISE Day was a resounding success, bringing together RISE recipients, partners, and leaders to celebrate their achievements and foster new connections. It’s inspiring to see so many driven individuals in one room, ready to take their businesses to the next level.”
Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 by providing the grants and services needed to survive and recover. The program has since evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities achieve stronger economic growth.
The event, held at Summerour Studio in Atlanta, provided opportunities for networking and featured a vibrant marketplace showcasing connections to local resources. These included the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), the Atlanta Business League, the City of Atlanta Procurement office, and Comcast Business. Adding to the excitement, Grammy award-winning artist Q Parker delighted attendees with a surprise performance.
Leona Barr-Davenport, President and CEO, Atlanta Business League (ABL), emceed the evening, and in attendance were two special guests from the City of Atlanta – Candace Stanciel, Chief Equity Officer, and Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Advisor, Office of Technology and Innovation who spoke to the RISE recipients about the importance and impact of small businesses in Atlanta.
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.