Community Leaders, Small Business Owners Kick Off Comcast RISE in Muskegon
Comcast RISE Grant applications now open for eligible small businesses in Muskegon and Grand Rapids
West Michigan small business owners, community leaders and Comcast representatives gathered last week to celebrate the opening of the Comcast RISE program in Muskegon.
The event kicked off with remarks from President & CEO of the Muskegon Chamber Rachel Gorman, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson, and Comcast Regional Vice President of External Affairs Craig D’Agostini, highlighting the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors and the lasting impact Comcast RISE has on small businesses and the community.
“Comcast RISE is a great example of what it means to invest in our local entrepreneurial community now, and into the future.”
Ken Johnson, Mayor of Muskegon
“Muskegon is and will continue to be an economic engine for West Michigan and the entire state, and we are proud to be a leader in fostering an environment for growth— especially for small businesses,” said Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson. “Collaborations between the public and private sector are what strong business communities are built on, and Comcast RISE is a great example of what it means to invest in our local entrepreneurial community now, and into the future.”
Muskegon and Grand Rapids are home to a number of former Comcast RISE winners, including Servicios De Esperanza (Muskegon), A Solution B (Wyoming), and Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids).
“Through Comcast RISE, we can work together to create economic opportunity for small business owners and a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.”
Rachel Gorman, Muskegon Chamber President & CEO
“Together, Comcast and the Muskegon Chamber have a longstanding partnership that continues to shape our community’s success, and champion the businesses here in Muskegon,” said Muskegon Chamber President & CEO Rachel Gorman. “Through Comcast RISE, we can work together to create economic opportunity for small business owners and a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.”
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 cited rising costs as a major issue.
“We’re dedicated to building on West Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth, and Comcast RISE offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by uplifting eligible business owners in our community with direct support.”
Craig D’Agostini, Comcast Regional Vice President of External Affairs
“Together with our partners in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, we’re bringing $3 million in grant packages including marketing and technology makeovers to the West Michigan small business community,” said Comcast Regional Vice President of External Affairs, Craig D’Agostini. “We’re dedicated to building on West Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth, and Comcast RISE offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by uplifting eligible business owners in our community with direct support.”
About Comcast RISE
Muskegon, Grand Rapids and surrounding areas will be one of five regions where eligible small businesses will have the opportunity receive grants through Comcast RISE.
The program will provide 100 eligible small businesses with comprehensive packages that include:
- TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER – Computer equipment and Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.)
- CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation, and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.)
- EDUCATION RESOURCES – 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules, and resources for small business owners.
- MONETARY GRANT – $5,000 monetary grant.
- COACHING SESSIONS – Business assessment and coaching that provides business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses.
Now through May 31, small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon can apply for a grant package at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be announced in August.
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 eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.