Comcast is set to empower local small businesses in Utah's Wasatch Front region through its innovative RISE program, providing comprehensive grant packages valued at approximately $30,000 per recipient. The initiative aims to bolster entrepreneurial growth by offering multifaceted support to 100 small business owners across eight communities in the region.
The grant packages represent a strategic investment in local economic development, providing recipients with critical resources to enhance their operational capabilities. Each selected business will receive a robust support package that includes computer equipment, internet and cybersecurity services, a professionally produced television commercial, media strategy consultation, monetary funding, and access to educational entrepreneurship resources.
Eligible businesses in Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, West Jordan, and White City can apply for the program between May 1 and May 31. The initiative is part of Comcast's broader Project UP commitment to creating digital opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This program builds upon Comcast's national RISE initiative, which has already supported 14,000 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2020. The Wasatch Front represents one of five regions receiving comprehensive grant packages this year, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting diverse local business ecosystems.
J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast's Mountain West Region, emphasized the program's significance, noting that supporting small businesses is crucial for economic development. The grants are designed to provide tangible resources that can help businesses navigate challenging economic landscapes and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Previous program recipients, like Tenisha Hicks of Isha Recovery and Sculpt, have shared powerful testimonials about the transformative impact of these resources. Hicks described the program as a crucial lifeline during uncertain times, demonstrating the potential long-term benefits for participating businesses.
By offering a holistic approach to business support—combining technological upgrades, creative production, monetary grants, and educational resources—Comcast RISE addresses multiple challenges faced by small business owners. The program recognizes that modern entrepreneurial success requires more than just financial assistance, but also strategic guidance and technological infrastructure.
As small businesses continue to play a vital role in local economies, initiatives like Comcast RISE represent innovative approaches to fostering entrepreneurial resilience and growth. The program's comprehensive support model offers a potential blueprint for how private sector companies can meaningfully contribute to community economic development.
