Today we were joined by Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, representatives from Prosper Portland and the Portland Business Alliance, as well as leaders from Comcast, Black Business Association of Oregon, Black American Chamber of Commerce and others at the Portland Mercado to announce that Comcast will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Multnomah County including those owned by women, people of color, and individuals committed to uplifting their local communities.
Expanding on the foundational work by Multnomah County to provide relief funds to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Comcast will award grant packages valued at $40,000 to 100 small business owners. The grant package will include business consultation services, educational resources, a monetary grant, creative production, a media schedule, and a technology makeover.
From June 1-30, eligible small businesses in Multnomah County can apply for the Comcast RISE program at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in August. Local small businesses seeking more information about the Comcast RISE grants, may learn more about the fund, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by watching this video.
Multnomah County is one of five metropolitan areas selected to award the grant package to 100 local businesses, including Baltimore, Detroit, Memphis, and Philadelphia. These recipients join the 13,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected as Comcast RISE awardees since the program launch in late 2020.
“Among the many things we all love about the Portland Metro area is our vibrant small businesses and Comcast is committed to supporting them,” said Marion Haynes, vice president of external affairs, Comcast Pacific Northwest Region. “Unprecedented challenges are facing these small businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color, which are at greater risk in today’s uncertain economy with inflation and rising costs. That is why we encourage small business owners to apply for the Comcast RISE program. The grant may cover any need to help your business survive and thrive.”
“Beyond the many things that make Portland so special is our small business community,” said Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance. “Comcast RISE is a great opportunity for small business owners who want to invest in themselves and create a more dynamic city. We’re proud to partner with Comcast to promote this program and encourage all small businesses in Multnomah County to apply.”
“Hacienda supports entrepreneurs year-round with technical assistance and connection to resources as they work to start or grow their businesses,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “We are thrilled to partner with Comcast to help spread the word about Comcast RISE and make sure small businesses know about this opportunity and submit an application.”
“APANO is excited to participate in this year’s RISE! We would like to express our thanks to Comcast for investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Duncan Hwang, Community Development Director at APANO. “These small businesses—especially those owned and run by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Oregonians—are the backbone of our community. Over the last few years, too many have been impacted by both the pandemic and hate and bias incidents. This opportunity will support them in coming back stronger than ever.”
Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, the grants needed to survive and recover. The program will evolve from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.
All eligible applicants will receive a monthly Comcast RISE newsletter with educational content, and all small business owners can visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X1 platform featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
More information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for the grant program are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
