The Quick Version
- Comcast RISE gives winners a $5,000 grant plus a TV ad, media time, tech equipment and a year of coaching.
- You must have been in business at least two years and be located in an eligible market.
- Build your free account at ComcastRISE.com now; new rounds typically open in the spring.
- Apply with specifics, not buzzwords: show exactly how the help would grow your business.
For Black entrepreneurs who have been in business a couple of years and need a real push, Comcast RISE is one of the most generous programs out there. It is not a loan. It is a package of cash, technology and marketing built to help small businesses grow, and it has already backed thousands of owners across the country.
What Comcast RISE actually gives you
RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. When Comcast launched it, the program was aimed squarely at businesses owned by people of color, and Black-owned businesses have been a major focus since day one. Winners do not just get a check. They get a bundle designed to fix the things that hold small shops back.
A recent award package has included:
- A $5,000 monetary grant you can put toward payroll, inventory or rent
- Technology equipment and up to 12 months of internet or related service
- Cybersecurity services to protect your business and your customers
- A professionally produced 30-second TV commercial
- A 180-day media schedule to actually run that commercial
- A full year of business coaching and educational resources
Add it up and the marketing and technology support alone can be worth far more than the cash. For a business that has never been able to afford a TV ad, that exposure can be the difference-maker.
Who qualifies
Comcast RISE is built for established small businesses, not brand-new startups. The core requirements have stayed consistent across recent rounds.
The basics
- Your business has been operating for at least two years
- You are located in an eligible market (Comcast rotates the cities and regions each cycle)
- Your business is independently owned and for-profit
Because the eligible regions change with every funding cycle, the most important thing you can do is confirm whether your city is included before you spend time on the full application. For more programs like this, keep an eye on our Business & Tech section, where we track opportunities as they open.
How to apply, step by step
The application itself is short. The preparation is what wins.
- Create a free account at the official portal, ComcastRISE.com
- Complete the quick eligibility form (about five minutes) to confirm your business and location qualify
- If approved, finish the full application, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes
- Have your details ready: years in operation, number of employees, and a clear description of what you do and why you need support
One honest note on timing: the most recent verified application window ran May 1 through 31, 2025. Comcast typically opens new rounds in the spring, but exact 2026 dates are posted on the official site. So the smart move is to build your account now and check back, rather than scramble when a window opens.
How to stand out
Thousands apply, so a clear story matters. Judges want to understand the real business behind the application.
Be specific about impact. Instead of saying you want to grow, explain that the media schedule would let you reach customers in three neighboring towns, or that the technology upgrade would let you take orders online for the first time. Numbers and plain details beat buzzwords every time.
Do not sleep on the free tools
Even outside the grant, Comcast and its partners publish free educational content for small businesses. You can start learning now and apply those lessons whether or not you win.
You can review the full official program details and confirm current dates at the Comcast RISE website. Treat this like a job you are applying for, prepare early, and you put yourself in the best position when the next round opens.
