Comcast RISE, a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched to help strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19, is accepting applications through May 7. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, New Mexico, small businesses are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs.
The program has provided technology makeovers and marketing services to nearly 2,500 BIPOC-owned small businesses. This includes Lotus Sound Bath in New Mexico, an alternative wellness business that leverages sound therapy for meditation and relaxation.
We’re so grateful to have received the Comcast RISE tech package,” said Douglas Cardwell, owner of Lotus Sound Bath and first-round Comcast RISE recipient. “With it, we are able to offer virtual studio sessions, which help us continue to connect with the community and our clients.”
You can view a list of all Comcast RISE recipients in New Mexico here.
Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” is part of a larger Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan that Comcast launched last summer, which allocated $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. Eligible businesses are able to apply for the following:
- Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including:
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- Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period.
- Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule.
- Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business.
- Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.)
Upon launching Comcast RISE late last year, we knew a profound need existed in many of the communities we serve. We have now seen firsthand how the program’s marketing and technology resources benefit the business owners who are working hard to rise above 2020, as well as their neighbors who share their commercial corridors, and their suppliers and customers up and down their resource chains,” said Chris Dunkeson, Area Vice President, Comcast. “While 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.”
Local BIPOC-owned small businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility details at: www.comcastrise.com/apply/. Applications for the next round of Comcast RISE are due Friday, May 7.