Nashville Welcomes Comcast RISE: A Day of Empowering Small Businesses and Community Connection
City Leaders and Small Business Owners Celebrate the City’s Selection as a RISE Grant City
Comcast officially launched its Comcast RISE program in Nashville on Tuesday, April 15, with a press conference at Tech Hill Commons in partnership with the Nashville Technology Council, followed by a high-energy community block party at Slim & Husky’s on Buchanan Street.
The morning press event featured remarks from Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President Mike McArdle, Melinda Little, Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast’s Big South Region, the co-founders of Slim & Husky’s, and two past RISE grant recipients. Speakers highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses and celebrated Nashville’s selection as one of five U.S. cities in the newest round of the Comcast RISE initiative.
“Comcast RISE is so much more than a grant—it’s an investment in the dreams of small business owners,” said Melinda Little, Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Investment at Comcast. “It’s about uplifting communities and creating lasting opportunity.”
The celebration continued with a block party from 12–2 PM at Slim & Husky’s, giving the community the opportunity to learn more about Comcast RISE, connect with Comcast representatives, and enjoy an afternoon of food, music, and giveaways. Radio station V101.1 The Beat brought the energy on-site, while attendees had the chance to speak directly with representatives about Comcast’s suite of services, including signing up for products and getting personalized information about business and residential offerings.
The event also featured:
- 50 free pizzas from Slim & Husky’s
- A raffle with exciting prizes including:
- A signed Nashville Predators jersey
- A $100 Slim & Husky’s gift card
- A Xfinity Bluetooth speaker
Since its launch in 2020, Comcast RISE has provided more than $140 million in grants and services to over 14,000 small businesses across the country. This latest round marks the third time Tennessee has been included, and qualifying businesses in Nashville are encouraged to apply.
“Comcast RISE grant came at a crucial time for me and my business,” said Danielle McGee of Black Business Boom. “Partnering with Comcast for free commercial production and placement opened doors that were previously closed. This kind of visibility is game-changing for a growing business that helps small business owners and entrepreneurs every day.”
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to create digital opportunities 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.
To learn more about Comcast RISE and Nashville’s participation in this round, view the full program announcement here or visit www.ComcastRISE.com.