Comcast RISE, a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched to help strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19, is accepting applications through May 7. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, Utah small businesses are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs.
The program has provided technology makeovers and marketing services to nearly 2,500 BIPOC-owned small businesses. This includes Caribbean Nightingale, a poetry café in Provo.
I hope that with my Comcast RISE commercial, I will be able to bring awareness to the services that Caribbean Nightingale offers,” said Michaëlle Martial, owner of Caribbean Nightingale and first-round recipient of Comcast RISE. “I hope to create a brick-and-mortar location that promotes the healing power of the arts, help minority people continue to invest in themselves and provide a place where artists can sell their books and albums.”
You can view a list of all Comcast RISE recipients in Utah here.
Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” is part of a more considerable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan that Comcast launched last summer. This initiative allocates $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. Eligible businesses can apply for the following:
- Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv – the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable – and its creative agency, Mnemonic, include:
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- Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period.
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- Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule.
- Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business.
- Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.)
The program has provided technology makeovers and marketing services to more than 2,500 BIPOC-owned small businesses. Comcast RISE launched in 2020 to give BIPOC-owned, small businesses, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, the tools needed to not just survive, but thrive. Local BIPOC-owned small businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility details and apply at: www.comcastrise.com/apply/
Applications for the next round of Comcast RISE are due Friday, May 7.