Comcast Supports American Small Business Growth Awarding 100 Grant Packages to Entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids & Muskegon
Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE has delivered $160 million in support to 14,500 small businesses nationwide since launch
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Comcast announced the award of 100 new grant packages through Comcast RISE, an initiative that fuels the growth of American small businesses and helps to strengthen local communities. These grants will support entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas and will be awarded in September 2025.
Awardees will receive a technology makeover powered by Comcast Business, creative production and a media schedule from Comcast Advertising, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and business consultation services.
Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company's $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet, provide digital opportunity, and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities. To date, Comcast RISE has provided a total of $160 million in monetary, marketing, and technology resources to 14,500 small businesses nationwide ─ underscoring Comcast's belief that when small businesses thrive, communities thrive.
In addition to the greater Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas, grant recipients were announced in four other regions: Boston, MA; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT, for a total of 500 recipients this year.
Grand Rapids and Muskegon-area grant recipients include:
- Speciation Cellars – Speciation Cellars is a family-owned brewery and taproom offering an ever-evolving lineup of small-batch, handcrafted beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Inspired by nature and welcoming to all ages, the taproom is housed in a 102-year-old former auto garage at 928 Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids.
- Kennari Consulting – Kennari Consulting offers a variety of services aimed at enhancing nonprofit fundraising capabilities, with a mission to change the face of philanthropy by moving nonprofits of all sizes toward greater capacity and meaningful impact within the communities they serve. With a team of skilled professionals, they partner in campaign, annual giving, and grants consulting, and also provide extensive educational resources.
- Wimee's World – Wimee's World is a vibrant children's media brand delivering interactive learning through books, live video streams, a nationally aired PBS television show, and an upcoming AI-powered learning app that transforms screen time into meaningful tech time. At the heart of the brand is Wimee—a lovable robot who makes new friends wherever he goes, inspiring kids to grow their literacy, creativity, and storytelling skills.
"What started as a love for craft beer has grown into a way to bring people together in West Michigan," said Mitch Ermatinger, founder and owner of Speciation Cellars. "Being selected for a Comcast RISE grant means I can spend more time connecting with our community and less time worrying about the technology we need to keep the business running. I'm looking forward to the incredible impact Comcast's investment will have on our small family business."
"The entrepreneurs across Grand Rapids and Muskegon are the beating heart of the business community, and supporting them has never been more important," said Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President, Comcast Business, Heartland. "Comcast RISE is about more than grants – it's about investing in the people who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities. We're honored to be awarding these entrepreneurs the resources to help them thrive."
Each Comcast RISE recipient will receive a comprehensive grant package that includes:
- TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER – Computer equipment and 12 months of internet, voice, and cybersecurity services by Comcast Business.
- CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, media strategy consultation, and a 180-day linear media schedule from Comcast Advertising.
- EDUCATION RESOURCES – 24/7 access for one-year to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules, and resources for small business owners.
- MONETARY GRANT – $5,000 grant to support business operations or growth initiatives.
- BUSINESS COACHING – Personalized assessment and coaching sessions to help business owners identify opportunities to grow their businesses.
Comcast Business powers more small businesses in America than any other provider plus equips them with the advanced technology solutions they need to thrive.
Comcast Advertising is a global leader in data, media, and technology, that uses multiscreen TV to foster connections between brands and their audiences.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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