Comcast Supports American Small Business Growth, Awarding 100 Grant Packages to Entrepreneurs in Salt Lake

Today, Comcast announced the award of 100 new grant packages through Comcast RISE, an initiative that fuels the growth of American small businesses and helps to strengthen local communities. These grants will support entrepreneurs along the Wasatch Front 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 the Wasatch Front, grant recipients were announced in four other regions: Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; and Seattle, WA, for a total of 500 recipients this year.

Wasatch Front business in South Valley, Utah grant recipients include:

• JFS IT Solutions, offering services and solutions in the technological field.
• Michelle Leo Events, a luxury wedding planner that also creates corporate events, social gatherings, and ancillary events.
• Wicked Peel Pizza Kitchen, serving classic Italian cuisine crafted with passion, including handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and recipes passed through generations.

“Being a Comcast RISE winner is powerful validation that Michelle Leo Events is on the right track ─ empowering me to invest where it matters, better support my team, and amplify our impact across the hospitality industry,” said Michelle Cousins, owner and principal designer, Michelle Leo Events.

“Words cannot fully describe the happiness and gratitude I feel. In these uncertain times my business has faced many challenges,” said Francis Castillo, CEO and owner, JFS IT Solutions. “As a Latina entrepreneur and mother in the United States, this grant represents an incredible opportunity to keep fighting for my dreams and to help more entrepreneurs put technology to work for their businesses.”

“For small businesses, a $5,000 Comcast RISE grant and the added resources can be the game-changing boost that fuels growth, sparks innovation, and strengthens their impact in our community,” said Jay Francis, President & CEO South Valley Chamber.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Comcast RISE is just one of the ways we’re investing in entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs, and build stronger communities. This is about more than grants, it’s about providing the resources and support to drive long-term local impact.”

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.