Comcast RISE Profile: Black Business Boom

#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 supports 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 Danielle McGee at Black Business Boom 

A Comcast RISE recipient, Danielle McGee, Founder and CEO of Black Business Boom, connects entrepreneurs with different resources, including funding connections and marketing support. Passionate about entrepreneurship, Danielle also runs the Black Owned Nashville directory and Facebook group with more than 43,000 members! These forums create a sense of community among local business owners with self-promotional opportunities and sharing of resources. Additionally, Danielle recently launched a non-profit arm to help small business owners called Boomin University. The program offers free virtual classes and programs at no cost. 

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

What About the Grant Interested You? 

Danielle: I mainly remember that the grant came about at a critical time for my business. So, learning that we were, in fact, awarded the grant package was a huge help in gaining momentum and visibility for Black Business Boom. 

How Did Comcast RISE Positively Impact Your Business? 

Danielle: When we were awarded the grant package with advertising, we were so excited! Our commercial ran on TV and digital channels, and our friends and family were reaching out to say they saw it. That was great to hear, and it was a nice feeling to get recognized for what you do! But what felt even better were the inquiries we received from organizations and corporations who wanted more information about Black Business Boom.  

The commercial absolutely had a direct effect and impact on the type of companies that we were having conversations with. It was great!  

What Drives Your Passion for Your Business? 

Danielle: I’m not new to hustle culture, as I’ve been a proud entrepreneur for 13 years.  From a roller coaster start that included filing for bankruptcy to becoming a successful business – I know the journey of how to go from bankruptcy to booming! I’m really passionate about helping others avoid the pitfalls that I didn’t in the first five years. 

I’ve worked with hundreds of small business owners. From helping them understand how to gain visibility to business coaching on scaling their business, we’ve been a part of the process of getting owners ready for advancement including corporate and government contracts.   

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

Danielle: Be ready. As you go through the application process, prepare yourself and your business to receive the award or grant and take full advantage of the opportunity. Be ready to kill it. Think about how you can leverage the opportunity and start building out your strategy to do that.  

Be proud. Having a grant from a respected company, such as Comcast, is a huge win to legitimize your business and helps open the door for other like-minded corporations to partner with you. As a recipient myself, I’m both proud and excited to see Comcast still support local businesses through Comcast RISE. 

Learn more about Black Business Boom by visiting BlackBusinessBoom.com, IG: @BlackBusinessBoom, LI: @Black-Business-Boom, FB: @BlackBusinessBoom 

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

Click to read more about Comcast RISE recipients NEW Counseling PLLC and Brown Toy Box.