There’s fantastic news for small business owners in Greater Jacksonville. Comcast RISE just launched, and the application window is now open. The support program will award a total of 100 small business grants. Eligible small businesses must be located in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties in Florida’s First Coast or Camden, Charlton and Glynn counties in southeast Georgia. To celebrate Comcast RISE’s arrival, business, community and nonprofit leaders recently gathered at the JTA Open Innovation Center for a kickoff event. Previous recipients even joined in on the fun to talk about the program’s impact and to encourage other entrepreneurs to apply in May.
You could feel the excitement in the air at the crowded event. Prominent local figures like State Senator Tracie Davis, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s Chief of Staff, Darnell Smith and JAX Chamber’s President & CEO, Daniel Davis attended and spoke at the celebration.
Senator Davis delivered a powerful message of support and encouraged attendees to spread the good news.
“We must make sure that our community is strong and that is why I fully back this program,” said Senator Davis. “Comcast RISE will give our local entrepreneurs an opportunity to create a legacy for themselves and their families,” she added.
Davis closed her remarks by asking everyone in the audience to empower, motivate and support the small business community.
A recent report revealed Jacksonville is one of the hottest job markets in the country. Leaders like Darnell Smith credit small businesses for the distinction and success. He said small businesses will fuel future growth.
“Small businesses are one of our administration’s top priorities,” said Smith. “They are the heart of our community and the true boosters of our local economy.”
Applications are open now! The application window for Comcast RISE is May 1 to 31. Businesses can apply at ComcastRISE.com. They must be located in the eligible area, open for 3 years with 100 employees or less, and be independently owned and operated. This year, the support program will award 100 small businesses the following:
- A $5,000 monetary grant
- Creative and media production
- Technology makeovers
- Education resources
- Business consultation services
To spread the news about Comcast RISE, News4JAX invited former recipient and T&N Xpress CEO Nichole Mobley on “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.” Comcast’s VP of Business Services Rich Rollins and VP of Government Michelle Oyola McGovern joined Mobley for an in-depth conversation about the program.
You can watch the program via YouTube or stream the podcast on Apple or Spotify.
