Comcast Corp. said Tuesday it is opening grant applications for a program benefitting small businesses in Greater Richmond.
The Philadelphia-based global cable broadcasting company said the grant packages include business coaching, education sources, media schedules, creative production, technology makeovers and $5,000 in cash. Comcast’s RISE program is aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and community investment objectives, the company said.
Small businesses can apply for the grants throughout the month of May on the grant program’s website.
Comcast said a total of 100 grants for the Richmond area would be announced in August.
The grant program was created in late 2020 to help small businesses struggling with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has since evolved to support economic growth efforts.
Richmond piemaker Joyebells is a previous RISE grant recipient, getting a commercial place in rotation on Comcast. Founder Joye B. Moore said in a statement the commercial “really boosted our awareness in Richmond and beyond, which helped play a crucial role in the successful launch of our food products.” Today, Joyebells pies are in more than 2,100 stores.
To date, Comcast says 13,500 small businesses nationwide have benefitted from the program since its launch, with more than $125 million in monetary, marketing and technology grants reaching small business owners.