Comcast Invests $500,000 in Southern Colorado Small Businesses Through RISE Program

Comcast has taken a significant step in supporting small businesses in Southern Colorado, awarding a total of $500,000 in grants and services to 100 local entrepreneurs through its RISE program. This initiative, part of Comcast's broader commitment to advancing digital equity, marks a substantial investment in the region's economic landscape and highlights the company's dedication to fostering small business growth.

The RISE program, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, has evolved from its initial focus on helping businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic to now concentrating on driving stronger economic growth in communities. Southern Colorado was one of only five communities nationwide chosen for the 2024 program, underscoring the region's potential for economic development and Comcast's strategic focus on areas poised for growth.

Recipients of the RISE grants received not only financial support but also technology makeovers, marketing assistance, coaching sessions, and educational resources. This comprehensive approach aims to address multiple facets of business development, providing small business owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The impact of these grants is already being felt by recipients. Erin Welch, owner of RAD Hostel in Colorado Springs, expressed confidence that the marketing assistance and technology upgrades will help increase occupancy and improve guest experiences. Similarly, Rique Lucero, owner of ColorSplashPaintball in Pueblo, sees the grant as an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to grow his business.

J.D. Keller, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast Mountain West Region, emphasized the company's commitment to the success and empowerment of local businesses in Southern Colorado. This investment reflects Comcast's recognition of small businesses as the backbone of communities and their potential to create sustainable economic impact.

The RISE program's focus on Southern Colorado is particularly significant given the region's economic landscape. By providing targeted support to 100 local businesses, Comcast is not only helping individual entrepreneurs but also contributing to the overall economic resilience of the area. This influx of resources and expertise has the potential to stimulate job creation, innovation, and economic diversification in Southern Colorado.

To celebrate and further support the grant recipients, Comcast organized a RISE Day event at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The event offered networking opportunities, a marketplace connecting businesses to local resources, and educational sessions, including a discussion on how AI can benefit small businesses. This holistic approach to support extends beyond financial assistance, creating a community of entrepreneurs and resources that can drive long-term success.

The RISE program is part of Comcast's larger Project UP initiative, a $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity. This connection highlights how supporting small businesses is intertwined with broader goals of improving internet access, advancing economic mobility, and fostering innovation. By investing in small businesses, Comcast is also investing in the digital future of communities.

As the program continues, its impact on Southern Colorado's economic landscape will be closely watched. The success of these 100 businesses could serve as a catalyst for further investment and support for small enterprises in the region. Moreover, the RISE program's model of combining financial support with technological and educational resources could set a new standard for corporate investment in local economies.

The Comcast RISE initiative in Southern Colorado represents more than just a series of grants; it's a comprehensive effort to strengthen the foundation of local economies. As these businesses grow and succeed, they have the potential to create a ripple effect of economic prosperity throughout the region, demonstrating the power of targeted corporate investment in fostering community development and economic resilience.