Mid-South Drug Testing 1 of 100 Local Businesses to Receive Grant Funding from Comcast RISE

Now in its third year, Comcast RISE celebrates having provided 13,500 businesses with more than $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants to date

MEMPHIS – Aug. 22, 2023 – Today, Comcast announced the names of the 100 businesses in Memphis that will receive comprehensive grant packages, which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. The recipients are among more than 13,500 entrepreneurs nationwide, and more than 200 small businesses in Memphis, who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program to date. Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a focus on economic growth.

“This is an exciting moment for Shelby County and an incredible boost for the business community,” said Tennessee Senator Raumesh Arkbari. “Congratulations to each of the 100 Comcast RISE winners and thank you to Comcast for their continuous support of our communities.” The cities from which recipients were chosen in this round include Baltimore, Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia, and Portland, OR. A total of 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, were announced today and will be awarded in September 2023.

A sample of Memphis grant recipients include:

• ARCHd

• Muggin Coffeehouse

The full list of Memphis and Shelby County winners can be viewed here: https://south.comcast.com/2023/08/22/2023-list-of-memphis-rise-winners/.

“We are excited to be one of the recipients of this grant – not just for how the grant will positively impact Muggin Coffeehouse, but also for what Comcast RISE stands for,” said Ken and Mary Olds of Muggin’ Coffeehouse. “Comcast truly does things that impact the city of Memphis and communities alike, whether it is an investment in small businesses or empowering youth serving organizations, they stand on their word.”

“There could not be a better time for ARCHd to receive this incredible grant from Comcast,” said Kristen Archer, Owner of ARCHd. “As we embark on our newest journey of being first-time shop owners in downtown Memphis, this grant and support from the Comcast RISE program will play a crucial role in our success.”

Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment. Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover.

The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities achieve stronger economic growth.

The grant packages include:

CONSULTATION Assessment of business and tactical planning; business to business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business.

EDUCATION RESOURCES Educational content and resources tailored specifically for entrepreneurs.

MONETARY GRANT $5,000 monetary grant to invest in growth and sustainability.

CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA Production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation, and 180-day media placement schedule.

TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER Computer equipment and Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X1 platform featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.

“During the past two and a half years, we have listened to feedback and taken the learnings from this program and have found new ways to further empower and strengthen even more small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy and local communities,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Cable. “By offering grant packages that include complimentary marketing, technology, financial grants, business consulting, entrepreneurship training, we can further our efforts to positively impact small businesses, into 2024 and beyond, and help them to shift from pandemic recovery to long-term growth.”

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com.