When Daphne Rose launched her “paint and sip” art studio in 2017, she was determined to establish a lively, inclusive space for her customers to wind down and get their creative juices flowing. After fleeing the corporate world in search of a more creative venture, Rose felt she’d finally found her purpose. There was no Plan B.
But when the pandemic struck in 2020, her signature party events screeched to a halt and threatened to unravel her success. With her studio effectively shut down, Rose fretted over her business’ lost revenue and future.
“Being a Black business owner in the current climate — with all of the injustices and inequities we face, and then being a Black business owner with the pandemic and the economy, my business definitely felt that,” says Rose, who owns Different Strokes Paint N’ Sip Art Studio in Aurora. “It’s been beyond stressful because you wonder ‘How can I survive this if I can’t get funding?”
While Different Strokes was shut down, Rose spent her days searching for funding to keep her business afloat. After a few months, Rose happened upon a business grant opportunity from Comcast.
“I was reluctant to apply because I’m taking time out of my day to possibly get a no,” she says. “But I also thought it could be a yes. I got a ‘yes.’ I never felt like throwing in the towel. This is my dream and my purpose.”
Rose is one of 28 small business owners in Colorado to be awarded a grant from Comcast’s new RISE initiative. The multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October and brings together two of the company’s brands — Comcast Business and Effectv — to help strengthen small businesses hit hard by the pandemic, including those owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs.
According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, more than 41 percent of Black-owned businesses and nearly 32 percent of LatinX businesses shuttered due to social distancing restrictions and demand shifts from COVID-19. The report indicates the early losses point to broader economic inequalities among minority business owners.
The first phase of Comcast RISE stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment.” So far, more than 700 BIPOC business owners have received consulting, media and creative production services, or technology upgrades to support their business needs. Program recipients have included restaurants, salons, professional services, and retailers throughout the country.
“Comcast RISE was created to support BIPOC-owned small businesses who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” said Robert Thompson, Vice President of Comcast Business, Mountain West Region. “Our employees have rallied around this program to provide the tools and resources they need. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and we’re deeply committed to providing meaningful support to help them continue to be a part of our communities.”
For Zach Davis, owner of Sports Integrated Technology (S.I.T.) in Denver, the biggest barrier he faced as a BIPOC business owner was building his brand and growing clientele with limited options or funding for marketing and advertising. While he was able to remain open and profitable during 2020, a technology overhaul for his business provided by Comcast RISE has allowed him to take his company to new heights.
The basketball training company uses video software and other tech to develop and analyze players’ training, and to create precise lesson plans to improve their performance on the court.
Though his business experienced challenges when it shut down briefly in March and April, including losing a majority of clients due to the unknown nature and danger of the virus, the company was able to bounce back in the summer, he says.
“Comcast has given S.I.T. a technology makeover which includes Comcast services, as well as equipment,” he adds. “Being a sports technology company, this is going to help us tremendously. We will not be able to do a lot more to grow as a company, especially when it comes to creating content and building clientele.”
Davis credits corporations such as Comcast for aiding small businesses during difficult times.
“Change can’t come if the corporations who are in the public spotlight don’t take a stand,” he says. “Companies like Comcast are doing great things by helping Black and minority-owned businesses grow and become more successful. We need to bridge the gap that these minority-owned businesses are facing and at the same time build better and stronger businesses.”
Rose says she continues to be grateful for Comcast’s help and is proud to be a part of the small business community.
“Small business in any community are the backbone of the community — without small businesses, large businesses and corporations can’t thrive,” she says. “We’re innovative, intelligent, and have a lot to offer the world. We’re a viable part of the community.”
As part of the Comcast RISE program, the corporation has also launched a monthly newsletter to provide free marketing and insights to BIPOC small business owners. Comcast is currently accepting applications through February 7. To apply for a grant visit: www.comcastrise.com.
