Comcast RISE Profile: Ash Branding Co.

#SmallBusinessMonth

How Comcast RISE Empowers Small Businesses

The Comcast RISE program helps support small businesses nationwide. On April 15, 2025, it was announced that Nashville was selected as one of five total Comcast RISE regions for the comprehensive grant program. Starting now through May 31, 2025, local entrepreneurs are invited to apply at www.comcastrise.com. A total of 100 metro Nashville grants will be awarded and announced in August 2025.

What is Comcast RISE?

Comcast RISE is supporting the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities. Eligible small businesses receive comprehensive packages that include a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and business consultation services.

Meet Ash at Ash Branding Co

A 2021 Comcast RISE recipient, Ash Branding Co. is a boutique creative studio offering custom brand design, photography, content creation and courses for small businesses. After working for over a decade as a brand designer in the agency world, Ash Kaneko wanted to offer the same caliber of creative resources that fuel big companies to budding entrepreneurs. Her passion is helping people live theirs by bringing her experience and know-how for building brands, designing identities and telling stories to more small but mighty makers, solopreneurs and mom and pop businesses.

Ash shared with us her experiences as a former Comcast RISE recipient.

What About the Grant Interested You?

Ash: My business had only just begun when I applied, and so of course I was doing and funding everything by myself. Honestly, the grant sounded like an unbelievable, and maybe even out-of-reach opportunity—but because the application process was relatively easy and quick and I thought, “Yeah, why not go for it!” The worst thing that could happen was not getting it, so I took the chance and applied.

How Did Comcast RISE Positively Impact your Business?

Ash: With the Comcast RISE technology package, I received two laptops and a tablet. All my work is done on a laptop, but at the time I had just one laptop for me. Coming from the agency world, I was used to having a team, and I knew that the next step was to start bringing on people to help me grow, but they would need a device to work on. Getting the equipment allowed me to put in motion the support I knew I needed to scale my business. But beyond the equipment, getting the grant was a boost of confidence that someone believed in my business, and that really helped me build the belief in myself that I needed to see it through.

What Drives your Passion for your Business?

Ash: My passion has always been helping people live theirs. People who know me know that my clients often become my friends because we work so closely together, and I care so deeply about helping them tell their stories and find their voice and place in this world.  When we start our work together, sometimes nothing exists—just raw ideas and crazy dreams that we’re sharing via videoconference or scribbling down on paper at a coffee shop. Then fast forward a year or two and now we can physically walk past their shops and watch their life and livelihoods unfold.

As a multi-passionate creative, of course, the work itself has always driven me and my business. I am a designer and artist at heart. But, I honestly believe that what I’m really good at, and maybe even what drives me the most, is seeing people for who they are and who they want to or could be. I’m here to be a mirror, reflecting back their unique story in the hopes of shaping how they are perceived and show up in the world. I think people have a hard time seeing themselves for who they are or could be—in life and in branding—and that’s why we need mirrors. I also love the idea that it requires both of us showing up to create something worth seeing.

What Advice Would You Give Those Thinking of Applying for Comcast RISE?

Ash: Just do it! I think we often as small business owners waste time worrying about if we are ready or good enough. Nothing was perfect when I applied early on in my business (and nothing is perfect today). But I did it anyway, and you should too. There’s nothing to lose and Comcast RISE is truly an unbelievable opportunity for small businesses.

Learn more about Ash Branding Co. by visiting ashbranding.com, IG: @ashbranding.co and YT: Ash Branding Co

To apply for the 2025 Comcast RISE grant in Nashville please visit www.comcastrise.com.