Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, as they make up 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and 43.5% of its GDP. Despite their contributions, new businesses still have an alarming 90% failure rate due to inflation, quality and cost of labor.
With May being National Small Business Month, Comcast is showing their dedication to aiding small businesses with a range of initiatives focusing on tech solutions, growth strategies and community engagement.
“At Comcast, supporting small businesses is more than a commitment — it’s part of who we are,” says Tracy Pitcher, senior vice president of Comcast Business. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs and fueling local economies. When they thrive, our neighborhoods thrive.”
Helping Power Small Businesses
Two initiatives that Comcast is offering to small businesses in lieu of National Small Business Month are Comcast RISE and Small Business Bonus.
- Comcast RISE is a powerful program that awards 500 small businesses and entrepreneurs every year with a monetary grant, technology makeover, business consultation and more.
- Small Business Bonus. From May 5 – June 21, small businesses can get a great deal on Gig-speed Internet and a $1,000 prepaid card to help move their business forward.
“Comcast RISE supports the growth of all small businesses and is committed to uplifting their local communities,” explains Pitcher. “Every year since 2020, Comcast RISE has awarded small business owners with grant packages that include business coaching sessions; education resources; a monetary grant; creative production, media schedules and a technology makeover to empower owners with the skills and resources they need to grow and succeed.”
The program originally started at the height of the pandemic when small businesses were struggling during the lock down and early days of COVID. Since its inception, Comcast RISE has helped more than 14,000 small business owners across 38 states with $140M invested in those businesses through monetary, marketing and technology grants.
The application window closes on May 31st, so if you’re a small business owner head to www.comcastrise.com and fill out an application!
Small Business Bonus
This Comcast initiative provides new Comcast Business customers with access to reliable connectivity, featuring 1.25 Gigabit internet to ensure businesses remain connected and productive.
“What makes this offer even more valuable is the $1,000 bonus provided as a gift card,” says Pitcher. “This allows business owners the freedom to invest in what matters most to them, opening unlimited possibilities to support their business—whether through purchasing branded merchandise, new uniforms, upgraded equipment or even items like a 3D printer.”
This is the first year that Small Business Bonus is running, so Pitcher is excited to collect new data to better inform their decisions for next year, enabling Comcast to continue creating new offers for its customers.
“Giving back to the communities where we live and work has always been central to our mission,” Pitcher says. “We understand the growth journey because we’ve lived it ourselves—Comcast began 62 years ago as a single-antenna cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi. Today, we’re proud to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools, technology, and resources they need to succeed.”
