News Summary
Comcast has unveiled the Comcast RISE initiative’s latest round of funding, awarding 100 grant packages to support small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Each package, set to be delivered in September 2025, includes a $5,000 grant, technology makeovers, and business consultation services, contributing to Comcast’s broader commitment to enhancing local entrepreneurial opportunities. With a total of 500 recipients nationwide, the program continues to bolster small business growth, fostering innovation and community engagement.
Grand Rapids, MI – Comcast RISE Awards 100 New Grant Packages to Local Small Businesses
Comcast has announced the awarding of 100 new grant packages through its Comcast RISE initiative, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas. Each awardee will receive their comprehensive grant package in September 2025, which is designed to bolster the capabilities of local small businesses.
The grant package includes a variety of essential resources: a $5,000 monetary grant, a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, access to educational resources, and business consultation services. This initiative is part of Comcast’s broader Project UP, a $1 billion initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and communities through various offerings.
Significance of Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE is now in its fifth year and has provided significant support to small businesses across the country. Since its inception, the initiative has distributed over $160 million in monetary, marketing, and technology assistance to 14,500 small businesses nationwide. The focus of these grants is to strengthen local communities by facilitating small business growth and sustainability.
This year, in addition to the Grand Rapids and Muskegon recipients, Comcast RISE has also chosen awardees in Boston, Nashville, Seattle, and South Valley, totaling 500 recipients nationwide. This broad reach emphasizes Comcast’s commitment to uplifting local entrepreneurs and fostering growth amidst competitive market environments.
Impact on Local Businesses
Local business owners have expressed optimism regarding the support provided by the Comcast RISE grant packages. For instance, Mitch Ermatinger, the owner of Speciation Cellars in Grand Rapids, noted that the grant will enable him to connect with the community more effectively and allow for upgrades to his business’s essential technology. This sentiment reflects a broader trend among previous grant recipients, who have reported significant positive impacts on their operations due to the resources and support offered through the program.
Commitment to Supporting Entrepreneurs
Sonya Callahan, the Regional Vice President of Comcast Business, has highlighted the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs in driving innovation and job creation within communities. Comcast Business is recognized as the leading provider of technology solutions for small businesses in America, while Comcast Advertising holds a position as a global leader in data and media technology that assists brands in connecting with their audiences.
Application Details
Applications for the Comcast RISE grants remain open until May 31, 2025, offering further opportunities for eligible small businesses to tap into this comprehensive support system designed to enhance their operational capabilities.
The Comcast RISE initiative continues to make strides in empowering small businesses nationwide and aims to strengthen economic opportunities within local communities, illustrating a vital commitment to fostering growth and innovation in challenging environments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Comcast RISE Program Offers $3 Million Grant to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon
Additional Resources
- PR Newswire
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- MLive
- Google Search: Comcast RISE
- Fox 17 Online
- Google Scholar: Comcast RISE
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Grants
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
