Comcast RISE offers free services to businesses owned by people of color and women
To help defend small businesses against the growing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches, Comcast is encouraging eligible small business owners to apply for free technology makeover services through Comcast RISE. Comcast RISE is a multi-faceted program created to strengthen and empower small businesses hard hit by COVID-19. The technology makeover provides free computer equipment, internet, voice services and cybersecurity solutions for an entire year. The deadline for small businesses to apply is October 16, 2022.
Cyber attackers are targeting small businesses more frequently, as their networks are typically more vulnerable and not as likely to have comprehensive protection in place to mitigate cyberthreats. Having a strong cybersecurity plan in place is not as challenging as it used to be, especially with help from the Comcast RISE program.
“Small businesses may not have the network security resources of a full-sized IT team, but they face the same risks as any large business, if not more,” said Brad Gramlin, director of Enterprise Direct Sales for Comcast Business in West Michigan. “With the cybersecurity services from the Comcast RISE technology makeover, businesses can experience the reactive and proactive network security offerings that Comcast has, giving them time to learn about the services before making the investment.”
Comcast RISE initially launched in 2020 as a response to help small business owners of color who were hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, Comcast announced a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion built on the program’s success and aims to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success.
Comcast RISE also offers
Marketing Services Grant from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic. These in-kind grants are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including:
- Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period
- Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and a 90-day linear TV media campaign
- Consult: Digital audits by Ureeka in the form of Website Repair Reports and SEO Keyword reports to target website mechanics and effective organic marketing
Comcast’s Ongoing Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity
Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment and is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Comcast RISE provides underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach tens of millions of people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
More information and the applications to apply for marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
