#United States #Nashville #Small Business #Comcast RISE

Comcast Supports Nashville Entrepreneurs: 100 Grant Packages Awarded

In an inspiring move to empower local entrepreneurs, Comcast has announced the distribution of 100 grant packages to small businesses in Nashville, Tennessee. This initiative comes as part of Comcast RISE—an effort designed to fuel the growth of American small businesses while simultaneously strengthening local communities. The grants are set to be awarded in September 2025, offering invaluable resources to the city's entrepreneurs.

Comcast RISE, now in its fifth year, aims to provide support to the small business sector across the United States. With a profound commitment to enhancing economic opportunities, the program has already allocated over $160 million to 14,500 small businesses nationwide since its inception. This year, alongside Nashville, beneficiaries will also be chosen from Boston, Grand Rapids, Seattle, and South Valley, resulting in a total of 500 grant recipients across these regions.

What the Grant Recipients Will Receive

The chosen entrepreneurs in Nashville will receive an extensive package comprising several critical support elements:

• - Technology Makeover: Recipients will benefit from a comprehensive upgrade, including essential computer equipment and 12 months of internet, voice, and cybersecurity services by Comcast Business.

• - Creative Production: Each business will get a professionally crafted 30-second television commercial along with a six-month media strategy consultation to amplify their reach.

• - Educational Resources: Grants will include access to a treasure trove of online entrepreneurship courses, allowing business owners to expand their knowledge and skills.

• - Monetary Grant: Each selected entrepreneur will receive a monetary grant of $5,000, aimed at bolstering their business operations or growth initiatives.

• - Professional Coaching: Recipients will receive personalized assessments and coaching sessions to identify growth opportunities tailored to their unique business models.

Impact on Local Entrepreneurs

The positive impact of this initiative can be seen vividly in the words of some of the grant recipients. For instance, Lucas Watson, Co-Founder of Third Coast Comedy Club, expressed his excitement: "Third Coast is thrilled to be a 2025 Comcast RISE recipient. This grant reinforces Comcast's commitment to ensuring small businesses like ours can thrive long-term. We look forward to leveraging the support provided by this program to guide our strategic growth."

Similarly, Rebecca Blank, Co-Founder of Voces De Nashville, a Spanish language school, shared her gratitude: "The Voces team is thankful for the Comcast RISE grant, which furthers our mission of uniting Nashville communities through language learning. We’re excited about the collective impact our success will have on our city."

Shelbi Neely, Founder of Neely's Nashville, is equally enthusiastic, stating, "Receiving the Comcast RISE grant means so much more than just business growth. It allows me to honor my family's barbecue legacy through our food truck launch and strengthens our community ties. I am deeply grateful for Comcast's belief in our story and their investment in small businesses."

The Vision Behind the Initiative

Comcast's Regional Senior Vice President, Mike McArdle, reflected on the broader intent behind Comcast RISE: "We witness firsthand how technology and access to essential resources can revolutionize the operation of small businesses. With Comcast RISE, we are providing Nashville's entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Our aim is to create environments where small businesses can compete, adapt, and grow—ensuring that when small businesses flourish, communities flourish too."

As Comcast continues to extend its support to small businesses, its commitment to cultivating local entrepreneurship rings loud and clear. The $1 billion initiative—Project UP—desires not only to connect individuals to the internet but also to elevate the entire fabric of various communities across the nation. With each awarded grant, the vision of a thriving networks of local enterprises and vibrant neighborhoods in Nashville and beyond comes a little closer to fruition.

Through Comcast RISE, small businesses in Nashville are receiving more than just financial assistance; they are gaining partners committed to fostering their success amidst the challenges of today’s market. With technology at their fingertips and strategic mentorship by their side, the future for Nashville's small business community shines brightly.

For more details on Comcast RISE and the impactful journey of these small businesses, visit Comcast's official website.