Boston, MA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Comcast has announced it will award 500 grant packages to small businesses across five U.S. regions for operational and growth support. Each package includes a $5,000 cash grant and various services designed to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The eligible regions include Boston, Grand Rapids, Nashville, Seattle, and South Valley, with grants set to be distributed in September 2025. This initiative is part of Comcast RISE, which has provided significant resources to support small business growth since its inception.
Boston, MA — Comcast announced the award of 500 new grant packages to small businesses across five U.S. regions through its Comcast RISE program, with awards to be granted in September 2025.
Top-line details
The 500 grant packages will go to eligible small businesses in Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT. Each package includes a $5,000 monetary grant plus a suite of services—technology upgrades from Comcast Business, creative production work, a media schedule provided by Comcast Advertising, educational resources, and personalized business consultation services. The awards are part of Comcast RISE and are scheduled to be distributed in September 2025.
Why this matters
The initiative is designed to support small businesses that faced disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and to help position them for longer-term growth. Comcast RISE is entering its fifth year and is a component of Project UP, Comcast’s broader $1 billion effort to expand digital opportunity and internet access. Since the program began in November 2020, Comcast RISE has provided approximately $160 million in resources to around 14,500 small businesses nationwide.
What the grant packages include
- $5,000 cash grant to support operational costs or targeted investments.
- Technology makeover from Comcast Business to improve digital tools and connectivity.
- Creative production services to help businesses update branding, photography, or digital assets.
- Media schedule from Comcast Advertising to provide advertising exposure.
- Educational resources and tailored business consultation to address specific challenges and growth opportunities.
Program scope and local impact
Comcast RISE works with local non-profits and capacity-building organizations to identify and support businesses in each region. The program emphasizes economic growth, community development, and measures to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in small-business support services. In Philadelphia—where Comcast has a long presence—Comcast RISE has awarded 716 businesses a combined total of $7 million since the program began.
How recipients are chosen and supported
Grant packages will be made available to eligible small businesses that experienced hardship due to the pandemic. Selection criteria focus on need, potential for impact, and how the combination of cash and services can help a business grow. Winners will receive services tailored to their individual needs, and program administrators report that feedback from prior recipients has informed adjustments to improve outcomes and the overall reach of the program.
Administrative and timing information
Applications and further eligibility details are available on the Comcast RISE website. Grants in this round will be awarded in September 2025. The program’s model combines financial support with technical and marketing services to increase the chance of sustained recovery and growth for small businesses that receive awards.
Background and evolution
Comcast RISE was launched in November 2020 as a targeted response to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over five years, the program has expanded geographically and in the variety of supports it offers. Its alignment with Project UP ties the small-business grants to a larger corporate effort to improve digital access, workforce development, and community resources across Comcast’s service areas.
Partnerships and community role
The program operates through partnerships with local non-profits and community organizations that help identify businesses that can most benefit from the package of cash, technology, marketing, and training. These partnerships are intended to extend the reach of the program into neighborhoods and sectors that may have lacked prior access to similar resources.
FAQ
Who can apply for a Comcast RISE grant?
Eligible applicants are small businesses that meet program requirements and that experienced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific eligibility rules and documentation requirements are posted on the Comcast RISE website for each grant cycle.
What does each grant package include?
Each package includes a $5,000 cash grant, a technology makeover from Comcast Business, creative production services, a media schedule from Comcast Advertising, educational resources, and business consultation services.
When will grants be awarded?
The announced round of 500 grant packages will be awarded in September 2025.
Which regions are included in this round?
Grant recipients will be selected from Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT.
How much has Comcast RISE provided so far?
Since its start in November 2020, Comcast RISE has provided about $160 million in resources to roughly 14,500 small businesses nationwide. In Philadelphia specifically, the program has awarded 716 businesses a total of $7 million.
Where can I find application details?
Application guidelines, deadlines, and the full set of eligibility requirements are available on the Comcast RISE website.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regions (2025 round) | Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; South Valley, UT |
| Number of grants | 500 grant packages |
| Award date | September 2025 |
| Monetary amount per package | $5,000 cash grant |
| Additional services | Technology makeover, creative production, media schedule, educational resources, business consultation |
| Total RISE support to date | Approximately $160 million to about 14,500 small businesses |
| Program start | November 2020 |
| Related corporate initiative | Project UP ($1 billion effort) |
| Philadelphia-specific totals | 716 businesses awarded, $7 million distributed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Massachusetts Small Businesses Face Financial Struggles
Massachusetts Invests in Small Business Growth
Additional Resources
- Comcast Corporate: 500 New Grant Packages for Small Businesses
- NBC Philadelphia: Comcast RISE to Award Grants to 100 Small Businesses in Philadelphia
- Business Wire: Comcast RISE Reaches New Program Milestone
- PR Newswire: Comcast RISE National Initiative
- Wikipedia: Small Business
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