By Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President, Comcast Business
Comcast RISE is all about uplifting local entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small businesses, and our continued commitment to their success. This year, the program will provide 100 eligible small businesses in West Michigan with comprehensive packages that include a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and business consultation services.
Our West Michigan Comcast Business team knows how small business owners serve as the economic and innovation engines of their communities, and directly supporting their success is critical.
According to a recent report from the Grand Rapids Chamber, 74% of Muskegon small business owners cited rising costs as a cause for limiting their operations. In Kent County, 53% of businesses also shared that rising costs as a major issue.
Bringing Comcast RISE to West Michigan is even more important in today’s competitive environment. We’ve heard firsthand from previous Comcast RISE winners how the program gave them the resources to scale their business and reach more customers.
“Comcast RISE gave us much-needed tech that we still use today to hold telehealth sessions for clients across the state,” said Angelita Valdez of Services of Hope (Muskegon). “Thanks to Comcast RISE, we were able to expand our services to reach those who don’t have a Spanish-speaking mental health provider in their area, and we became a trusted resource for many more communities.”
Now more than ever, businesses require fast, reliable, and secure connectivity to power their technology and stand out from the competition. Together, the Comcast RISE program and Comcast Business services are delivering for small business owners.
“Comcast RISE allowed us to use technology to perfect our business model,” said Jessica Crosby of Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids). “Using a tablet to provide instant, accurate cost estimates for our clients has helped us stand out from our competition and grow our business, helping even more people love their homes.”
Comcast Business is the leading provider to U.S. small businesses, and with the Comcast RISE program, we can continue to work together with business owners to not only boost their business, but uplift entire communities.
“The saying is, ‘business is never personal’ – but we take the opposite approach,” said Christian Boyd of Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars (Kentwood). “We’re so grateful to provide a service to the community, and I’m very grateful we were chosen to participate in Comcast RISE. For any eligible business thinking about applying for Comcast RISE this year, just go for it. It’s an awesome opportunity you can’t afford to pass up.”
A total of 100 grants winners will be announced this August. This year’s recipients will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through Comcast RISE with monetary, marketing, and technology grants since the program launched in 2020.
Launching Comcast RISE in West Michigan is like injecting rocket fuel into the small business community. If you’re looking for support to grow your business, Comcast RISE is your chance.”
-Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President,
Comcast Business
“Since winning support from Comcast RISE, I’ve been able to grow my business across Michigan and across the country,” said Reynelda Jones of A Solution B (Wyoming). “Having stable internet allowed me to get licensed in additional states and expand my services, and in turn, reach more people looking for holistic support for their mental health. To any small business owner thinking about applying: go ahead and just give it a try. It was truly a blessing.”
With Comcast RISE, we’re proud to reinforce our commitment to Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to elevate small businesses, while delivering unmatched reliability, security, and value to empower even more businesses to be successful today, tomorrow, and into the future.
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
More information on the application, eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
Apply now for a Comcast RISE grant package: www.ComcastRISE.com. Applications are open for eligible small businesses through May 31, 2025.
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