Comcast will again award $1 million to small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, in Houston. This effort is part of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund program, a multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in late 2020 to support small businesses owned by people of color (POC) and provide the resources and tools they need today.

Beginning October 1, 2021, small people of color owned businesses in Harris and Ft. Bend counties can apply for 100 grants of $10,000 each. Applications must be received by October 14, 2021.

“Small businesses owned by people of color have been particularly hard hit by this pandemic,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “These small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and their needs are great, so Comcast is thrilled to be able to once again step up and help out through our Comcast RISE program.”

As part of the company’s initial Comcast RISE Investment Fund program, the company previously awarded $1 million in April of this year to 100 small POC-owned businesses in Houston.

"The pandemic has created additional challenges for our small businesses, and this second infusion of funds from the Comcast RISE Investment fund to help level the playing field for local, minority entrepreneurs is an empowering opportunity,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This extraordinary example of big business uplifting small business will ensure that 100 small Houston-area businesses that exist today continue to exist tomorrow.”

To help drive outreach and awareness about Comcast RISE and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded $50,000 in grants to local community partners – Houston Hispanic Chamber, Houston Black Chamber, Empresarios Latinos Foundation, Houston LGBT Chamber, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and East End Chamber of Commerce.

Comcast RISE Investment Fund grant recipients will receive a complimentary 12-month membership to Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs that provides business coaching to build skills focusing on company foundation, growing customers and financial stability. In addition to the financial grants from Comcast RISE, small businesses owned by people of color can also apply for advertising and technology resources from EffecTV and Comcast Business, respectively.