Boston, MA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Comcast has announced the distribution of 500 grant packages to entrepreneurs in five U.S. regions, aimed at fostering small business growth. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 monetary grant along with various support services, including technology upgrades and creative media services, slated for distribution in September 2025. This initiative is part of Comcast RISE, which aims to enhance digital access and opportunities for small businesses through educational resources and business consultations.
Boston, MA — Comcast announced the award of 500 new grant packages to entrepreneurs across five U.S. regions, with the grants scheduled to be distributed in September 2025. The recipients will receive a combination of technology upgrades, creative and media services, educational resources, business consultation and a monetary award intended to support small business growth and local job creation.
Key details — who, what, when, where
The 500 grants will be awarded in the regions of Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT. Each individual award package includes:
- Technology makeover delivered by Comcast Business
- Creative production services and a media schedule from Comcast Advertising
- Educational resources aimed at business development and digital skills
- $5,000 monetary grant for each awardee
- Business consultation services to support planning and growth
Supporting details — program context and scale
The grants are part of Comcast RISE, an initiative now in its fifth year. Comcast RISE operates under the broader Project UP commitment, which is a $1 billion initiative focused on expanding digital access and opportunities. Since its launch, Comcast RISE has provided $160 million in support to 14,500 small businesses across the United States.
Company roles and reach
Comcast Business is identified as the unit providing the technology work included in the award packages and is noted to support more than half of U.S. small businesses with advanced technology solutions. Comcast Advertising is described as the division supplying creative production and media scheduling elements intended to increase business visibility.
Purpose and expected outcomes
The announced grants aim to help entrepreneurs drive local innovation and create jobs. The initiative frames small businesses as integral components of local economies and community resilience, and positions the awards as tools to strengthen business operations through technology, marketing and financial support.
Program history and cumulative impact
Comcast RISE has been operating for five years and, through multiple rounds of support, has reached a cumulative figure of $160 million in assistance to 14,500 small businesses. The current round of 500 grants represents a continuation of that effort, delivered across the five named regions in September 2025.
What is not included in the announcement
The announcement specifies the content of the award packages, dates and regions of distribution, and provides high-level program totals to date. It does not provide detailed selection criteria, a breakdown of how many grants will be allocated per city, or application deadlines and procedures in this release.
Immediate implications
The September 2025 distribution of 500 grant packages will combine direct financial assistance with nonfinancial supports designed to enhance digital capability and market reach for recipients. The structure of the awards—mixing technology upgrades, media and creative services, education and consulting—reflects an emphasis on both operational capacity and visibility in local markets.
Background on Project UP
Project UP is Comcast’s broader initiative committing $1 billion to expanding digital access and opportunities. Comcast RISE is one program within Project UP that specifically targets small business support through grants and service packages rather than direct infrastructure investment. The cumulative statistics reported for RISE—$160 million and 14,500 businesses—provide a measure of the program’s scale since inception.
FAQ
How many grants are being awarded and where?
A total of 500 grant packages will be awarded in September 2025 across five U.S. regions: Boston, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT.
What does each award package include?
Each award package includes a technology makeover from Comcast Business, creative production services and a media schedule from Comcast Advertising, educational resources, business consultation services, and a $5,000 monetary grant.
How long has Comcast RISE been operating?
Comcast RISE has been in operation for five years.
What is the broader initiative behind these grants?
The grants are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative aimed at increasing digital access and opportunities. Comcast RISE operates within this broader framework to provide direct support to small businesses.
How much support has Comcast RISE provided to date?
To date, Comcast RISE has provided $160 million in support to 14,500 small businesses across the United States.
Are application details included in this announcement?
This announcement lists the award package contents, regions and timing. It does not include specific application procedures, deadlines or selection criteria.
Quick reference table
| Region | Award Date | Benefits per Recipient | Monetary Grant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | September 2025 | Technology makeover; creative & media services; education; consulting | $5,000 | Part of 500 total grants |
| Grand Rapids, MI | September 2025 | Technology makeover; creative & media services; education; consulting | $5,000 | Part of 500 total grants |
| Nashville, TN | September 2025 | Technology makeover; creative & media services; education; consulting | $5,000 | Part of 500 total grants |
| Seattle, WA | September 2025 | Technology makeover; creative & media services; education; consulting | $5,000 | Part of 500 total grants |
| South Valley, UT | September 2025 | Technology makeover; creative & media services; education; consulting | $5,000 | Part of 500 total grants |
| Total (program to date) | Ongoing | Supports include grants and service packages | $5,000 per current awardee; $160,000,000 total to date | 14,500 small businesses supported since program launch |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Comcast RISE to Award 500 New Grants to Small Businesses
Comcast Announces Launch of New Cable Networks Spinoff Versant
Massachusetts Small Businesses Face Financial Struggles
Massachusetts Invests in Small Business Growth
Additional Resources
- Comcast Corporate: Commitment to Small Business Growth
- PR Newswire: Comcast Supports Small Business Growth
- Fox 13 Now: Meet a Small Business Owner Awarded a Grant
- Business Wire: Comcast RISE Grant Packages Announcement
- Seattle Chamber: Comcast RISE Grant Applications
- Wikipedia: Comcast
- Google Search: Comcast RISE
- Google Scholar: Comcast Small Business Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Grant
- Google News: Comcast Grants
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