Comcast RISE Profile: NEW Counseling

#SmallBusinessMonth 

How Comcast RISE Empowers Small Businesses 

The Comcast RISE program helps support small businesses nationwide during National Small Business Month. 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 Jamila Walker at Nashville Emotional Wellness (NEW) Counseling 

A 2022 Comcast RISE recipient, NEW Counseling is a group mental health private practice. They offer a variety of services including one-on-one and group counseling, as well as providing services to private primary and secondary schools, and universities. With the motto “REAL people, helping REAL people, with REAL problems,” the practice offers three languages (English, Spanish, Arabic) and promotes an inclusive culture to help the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in Nashville. 

Additionally, they consider themselves an accelerator as they work to connect with clinicians early in their career to develop both clinical and business/operational skills -with the end goal to help others launch their practice for broader reach. Essentially allowing more people access to the help they need. 

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

What About the Grant Interested You? 

Jamila: I found it through the iFundWomen’s website for grants and application support through an online platform.  

Comcast RISE was the first grant that we applied for, and we got it! Up to that point, it had never occurred to us that we could have other resources beyond business revenue that could be used to invest in the business. It was eye opening! It was a great experience as it taught me and my team to understand the benefits of grant programs like this. We are now on the lookout for more resources and come to the table ready for opportunities such as these. 

How Did Comcast RISE Positively Impact Your Business? 

Jamila: Our marketing grant award was to help drive visibility and inquiries into the work we do. It was a powerful tool, a tool that I wish we were more prepared to capitalize on. 

We had friends and family tell us that they saw our commercial, and we saw an uptick in referrals. We were pretty much a word-of-mouth business before Comcast RISE. With its help, we saw the importance of marketing by getting more referrals from a much more diverse steady flow of doctors and organizations.  

It was an incredible opportunity to be top of mind to potential clients. 

What Drives Your Passion for Your Business? 

Jamila: For my clients, knowing that, after a session, maybe it helps them 1% that day, but that 1% is just the first step of feeling better THAT day, leading into the NEXT day, then the week, the month . . . it’s all about the 1% change you make in your life. 

Also, I have great pride in seeing how our accelerator program helps talented clinicians feel confident about starting their own practice. Knowing that they are going out into different communities with the ability to help others – that is a core value of who we are and our mission at NEW Counseling.   

Currently, we are talking about partnering with a local church in a very busy part of Nashville. This church is near 25 bus lines and there is a high school that you can see from the church’s parking lot, so this centralized office will be easily accessible for those who need it. From the unhoused to teens in crisis, the potential for this new satellite office is a huge opportunity to make a greater impact on Nashville. 

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

Jamila: THINK BIG. To be honest, I wasn’t ready. I had applied but without thinking strategically about my goals and long-term vision. This commercial offered us a huge opportunity, a huge deal, to get our business and name in front of potential partners, clients and grow word-of-mouth referrals.  

Now looking back, I wish I had thought bigger and capitalized on my resources in promoting the wealth that mental health counseling and NEW Counseling specifically is. I don’t think I fully digested how vital this could be for the company – the sheer impact of marketing. 

Learn more about NEW Counseling PLLC by visiting newcounselingpllc.com, IG: @newcounselingpllc/, LI: @nashville-emotional-wellness-counseling, FB: @NEWcounselingPLLC 

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

Click to read more about Comcast RISE recipients Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and Punches n’ Bunches.