Comcast Supports American Small Business Growth Awarding 100 Grant Packages to Entrepreneurs in Nashville, TN 

Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE has delivered $160 million in support to 14,500 small businesses nationwide since launch 

Today, Comcast announced the award of 100 new grant packages in Nashville through Comcast RISE, an initiative that fuels the growth of American small businesses and helps to strengthen local communities. These grants will support entrepreneurs in Nashville and will be awarded in September 2025. Awardees will receive a technology makeover powered by Comcast Business, creative production and a media schedule from Comcast Advertising, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and business consultation services.  

Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet, provide digital opportunity, and build a future of unlimited possibilities. To date, Comcast RISE has provided a total of $160 million in monetary, marketing, and technology resources to 14,500 small businesses nationwide ─ underscoring Comcast’s belief that when small businesses thrive, communities thrive. 

In addition to Nashville, grant recipients were announced in four other regions: Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT, for a total of 500 recipients this year.  

Nashville’s grant recipients include:  

• Third Coast Comedy Club: The only brick-and-mortar comedy club in Nashville dedicated to improv comedy with improv shows every week. 

• Voces De Nashville: A cooperatively owned Spanish language school with the mission to unite communities through language learning. 

• Neely’s Nashville: A mobile food business bringing Memphis-style barbecue to life with soulful flavor and Southern hospitality.  

“Third Coast is thrilled to be a 2025 Comcast RISE recipient. This grant reiterates Comcast’s commitment to help ensure the long-term success of small businesses like ours,” said Lucas Watson, Co-Founder of the Third Coast Comedy Club. “We’re eager to use the numerous resources and support included through this program to continue our strategic growth. Third Coast is grateful for the vast opportunities Comcast RISE provides to small businesses all over the country.”  

“The Voces team is grateful to receive the Comcast RISE grant to further our mission of uniting our diverse Nashville community through language learning,” said Rebecca Blank, Co-Founder of Voces De Nashville. “We are honored to receive this support alongside other Nashville area small businesses, and we’re excited to see the impact our collective flourishing has on our city.” 

“Being named a Comcast RISE recipient is an incredible honor. This grant means more than business growth. It will help me carry forward my family’s Memphis-style barbecue legacy through our food truck launch and pour into to my community,” said Shelbi Neely, Founder and Owner of Neely’s Nashville. “With these resources, I can continue building a place where great food brings people together. I’m deeply grateful to Comcast for believing in our story and investing in small businesses like mine.”  

“We see firsthand how technology and access to resources can transform the way a small business operates,” said Mike McArdle, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President. “With Comcast RISE, we’re equipping Nashville entrepreneurs with the tools to compete, adapt and grow in an increasingly digital economy.” 

Each Comcast RISE recipient will receive a comprehensive grant package that includes: 

• TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER – Computer equipment and 12 months of internet, voice, and cybersecurity services by Comcast Business.  

• CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, media strategy consultation, and a 180-day linear media schedule from Comcast Advertising.  

• EDUCATION RESOURCES – 24/7 access for one-year to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules, and resources for small business owners. 

• MONETARY GRANT – $5,000 monetary grant to support business operations or growth initiatives. 

• BUSINESS COACHING – Personalized assessment and coaching sessions to help business owners identify opportunities to grow their businesses. 

Comcast Business powers more small businesses in America than any other provider plus equips them with the advanced technology solutions they need to thrive.  

Comcast Advertising is a global leader in media, technology and advertising that fosters powerful connections between brands and their audiences.