A major boost is coming to local small businesses thanks to a new partnership with the city of Seattle, King County and Comcast. Announced at a press conference May 9 in Tukwila, the program will provide $3 million in grants to help entrepreneurs in King County thrive.

This initiative is part of Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment), a nationwide program aimed at supporting small businesses. Originally launched during the pandemic, Comcast RISE initially provided much-needed financial relief in the form of cash grants. But the program has since evolved, adding marketing support, technology makeovers and free internet services to meet the changing needs of small business owners.

“The heart and soul of any community are the small businesses,” said Marianne Bichsel, Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast. “Comcast RISE is a win for the communities.”

Natalie Ceis opened bodySTRONG fitness studio in Burien during the pandemic and, in 2022, received a valuable tech package through the Comcast RISE program.

“We got iPads, a desktop computer, laptops and a year of free internet,” she said. “We benefited so much from this. It’s a really great community-based grant.”

Another recipient, Tuyen Than of Drag and Drop Creative in Seattle’s Chinatown International District, used her $10,000 grant to help with operational expenses and learn digital skills.

“That funding helped us adapt and also support other small businesses going online,” she said.

Comcast has also made the application process for the RISE program simple and quick.

“Comcast knew that small business owners are pulled in all directions,” Ceis said, “so the process doesn’t take a ton of time.”

Eligible small businesses in King County can apply for grant packages through May 31 at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in August.

This article is sponsored by Comcast.

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