Comcast Supports Small Business Growth, Awarding 100 Grant Packages to Greater Boston Entrepreneurs

August 19, 2025

Comcast announced the award of 100 grant packages to small businesses in Greater Boston through Comcast RISE, an initiative that fuels the growth of American entrepreneurs and helps to strengthen local communities. The grant awards will be distributed in September.

Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative aimed at connecting people to the Internet, providing digital opportunity, and building 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 Greater Boston, grant recipients were announced in four other regions: Grand Rapids, MI; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and South Valley, UT, bringing the total to 500 small businesses selected for Comcast RISE grants this year.

Greater Boston grant recipients include 100 small businesses across industries such as food service, retail, media, and professional services. Recipients include:

Rubato (Quincy, MA), a modern Hong Kong café, which specializes in breakfast and lunch options.
V-Healthy Boston (Roslindale, MA), a family-friendly café offering nutritious meal-replacement smoothies, high-quality protein coffees and teas.

“Being selected for Comcast RISE is an incredible honor and the latest recognition for my restaurant, which serves award-winning Cantonese cuisine,” said Laurence Louie, chef and owner of Rubato in Quincy, MA. “This support from Comcast will help us amplify our story, drive growth, and deepen our ability to serve the Quincy and South Shore areas.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Comcast RISE is just one of the ways we’re investing in entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs, and build stronger communities. This is about more than grants, it’s about providing the resources and support to drive long-term local impact.”

“Comcast RISE reflects our commitment to supporting small businesses across the Greater Boston area,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice Presidents of Comcast’s New England Region. “By empowering 100 small businesses with the tools they need to grow and thrive, we’re helping to strengthen the heart of our neighborhoods and communities.”

“My team and I canvassed with local Comcast employees on a block-by-block basis from East Boston to Dorchester to get the word out about Comcast RISE this spring. We could not be more delighted that 100 Greater Boston businesses were selected,” said Eric Esteves, Executive Director of Boston Main Streets Foundation. “Bringing small businesses grant resources is central to our mission and we look forward to seeing these Boston businesses thrive with help from Comcast RISE.”

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 monetary 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 media, technology and advertising that fosters powerful connections between brands and their audiences.