'The lifeblood of our community': Small businesses owned by people of color eligible for grants through Comcast's RISE program

Comcast will award $1 million in grants to small businesses owned by people of color in Fort Bend County as a part of the company's RISE Investment Fund Program launched in late 2020.

Ford Bend County Judge K.P. George tweeted Sept. 21, sharing a link to an article by the Fort Bend Herald, making headlines following the announcement of the grants.

"Fort Bend County is the most diverse county in the nation and we value our diverse business community. Having a funding source such as the @Comcast RISE Investment Fund grant can provide much-needed assistance," George said in his tweet. 

These businesses in Harris and Fort Bend Counties can apply for 100 grants of $10,000 each beginning Oct. 1, the Fort Bend Herald reports.

“Small businesses owned by people of color have been particularly hard hit by this pandemic,” Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region, told the Fort Bend Herald.

The telecom giant's RISE Investment Fund Program is a multi-year initiative which aims to provide the resources needed to provide meaningful support to these businesses who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

“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,” Martinez said.

According to the Fort Bend Herald, grant recipients will also receive a complimentary year-long membership to Ureeka, an online platform that assists entrepreneurs with building skills centered on company foundation, growing customers and financial stability.

Applications must be received by Oct. 14. 

In addition to support from the RISE program, small businesses owned by people of color may also apply for resources from EffecTV and Comcast Business to help with advertising and technology expenses, the Fort Bent Herald reports.