Comcast today announced the second round of Comcast RISE award recipients in the Twin Cities—19 businesses will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs. To date, the Twin Cities has announced 32 recipients including a diverse roster of small business, from Duck Donuts in Woodbury, The Zen Bin in Minneapolis, and The Creative Studio in St. Paul.
The new Comcast RISE recipients in the Twin Cities include:
- AG on the Cut, St. Paul
- Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Woodbury
- Atrebla Early Learning Center, Minneapolis
- Big Cutz Barbershop, Columbia Heights
- Center for Communication & Development – KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis
- Cilantro Restaurant, Woodbury
- Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, Woodbury
- DFS Consultants LLC, St. Paul
- H & S Booking LLC, New Hope
- HercLéon, St. Paul
- K & M Construction of MN LLC, Lake Elmo
- Lions Gym and Wellness Center , Robbinsdale
- Morris Services LLC, Minneapolis
- Premiere Staffing Group, St. Paul
- Queen Anna House of Fashion, Minneapolis
- The Black Threadist, Brooklyn Park
- The Pole Barn Studio LLC, Stillwater
- Urban Mass Media Group/BMA, Minneapolis
- Work of Art Barbershop & Shave, Robbinsdale
Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in the U.S., those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. New applications are now open to eligible BIPOC-owned, small businesses through May 7, 2021 at www.ComcastRISE.com.
“At a time when so many in our small business communities are struggling, it’s incredibly humbling to be able to give back and share our knowledge and resources with those hit hardest by the pandemic. We want to help our partners and communities rise,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “I could not be more pleased to be supporting the BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.”
“The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for our business community, especially for those small-to-medium size operations owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said B Kyle, president and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “That’s why we’re so pleased that Comcast is offering valuable support through Comcast RISE with marketing, advertising and technical expertise. We stand behind their efforts and encourage our local businesses to apply for this important program.”
Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for BIPOC-owned, small businesses nationwide to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas:
- 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:
- Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period.
- Creative Production: Turnkey :30 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.)
Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020.