We all know that the pandemic has greatly impacted the Twin Cities communities, some more severely than others. In fact, studies show that small businesses owned by people of color, including those owned by Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American individuals, among others, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Our partners at Comcast are stepping up in a GIANT way to help Twin Cities small businesses owned by people of color. To help, Comcast recently announced that through the Comcast RISE Investment Fund the Twin Cities is receiving $1 million in grants to give 100 small businesses owned by people of color each $10,000.
Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment) is part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to advancing digital equity and helping to provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive.
“The Comcast RISE Investment Fund will ensure that 100 businesses that exist today will continue to exist tomorrow,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Minnesota knows that this pandemic has created challenges for many small businesses, especially minority owned businesses. We continue to do everything we can to help them until things get better. I highly encourage small businesses owned by people of color to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity provided by our friends at Comcast.”
Qualifications:
- The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on eligible small businesses that have been operating for three or more years with 1-25 employees.
- Businesses eligible include those in the seven-county Twin Cities metro (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties).
- Visit www.ComcastRISE.com for all eligibility details.
How to Apply:
- Beginning on October 1 through October 14, eligible businesses in the Twin Cities can apply for a $10,000 grant at www.ComcastRISE.com. A total of 100 grants in the Twin Cities will be awarded in late November 2021.
There is no doubt that the grants provided by Comcast RISE will be lifechanging for Twin Cities small business owners. Could this be an opportunity for you or someone you know? Do not pass this opportunity up!
Watch what one Comcast RISE recipient has to say about her experience:
