From October 1 through October 14, eligible businesses in Oakland can apply for a $10,000 grant through the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October 2020 to support small businesses owned by people of color.
This second round of funding will provide $6 million dollars to hundreds of small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners in selected cities across the country, including 100 grant to be awarded in Oakland.
Comcast also announced its fourth round of Comcast RISE recipients, which includes 1,100 small businesses owned by people of color, that will receive a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity from Comcast Business, as well as access to Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs with a specialized online networking community with educational resources, sources of capital, and vetted experts.
To date, nearly 4,700 Comcast RISE awardees have been announced and the program will have supported 13,000 small businesses by the end of 2022. To help drive awareness about the program and provide additional support, training, and mentorship, Comcast is partnering with numerous community-based organizations including The Unity Council to help spread the word.
“While we know that no single organization can solve historic and systemic inequities overnight, we are committed to taking tangible actions that can drive long-term impact and change,” said Teresa Ward-Maupin, Senior Vice President, Digital and Customer Experience, Comcast Business. “Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund offer the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting our communities. This new round of Comcast RISE grants will provide more entrepreneurs of color with the resources and tools they need to scale their businesses and thrive for years to come.”
Are you an Oakland small business who’s interested in applying for the Comcast RISE grants? The Unity Council’s Small Business Services team will host Open Air Clinics on Monday, October 11 and Tuesday, October 12 to help you apply!
To schedule an appointment, please call (510) 535-6916.