{"id":840765,"date":"2025-04-23T10:33:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T14:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/comcast-rise-program-kicks-off-with-community-leaders-and-small-business-owners-panel-discussion-on-overcoming-small-business-obstacles-in-todays-economic-climate\/"},"modified":"2025-04-23T10:33:28","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T14:33:28","slug":"comcast-rise-program-kicks-off-with-community-leaders-and-small-business-owners-panel-discussion-on-overcoming-small-business-obstacles-in-todays-economic-climate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/comcast-rise-program-kicks-off-with-community-leaders-and-small-business-owners-panel-discussion-on-overcoming-small-business-obstacles-in-todays-economic-climate\/","title":{"rendered":"Comcast RISE Program Kicks Off with Community Leaders and Small Business Owners, Panel Discussion on Overcoming Small Business Obstacles in Today’s Economic Climate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PR Newswire<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n Small businesses urged to tap technology, seize opportunities for support<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

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\n GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.<\/span>
\n <\/span>, April 23, 2025<\/span><\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ — West Michigan<\/span> small business owners, community leaders and Comcast representatives gathered last night to discuss how businesses can overcome challenges in today’s economic environment and take advantage of upcoming grant opportunities with Comcast RISE.<\/p>\n

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The panel kicked off with remarks from Grand Rapids Chamber President Rick Baker<\/span>, Grand Rapids<\/span> Mayor David LaGrand<\/span>, and Comcast Regional Vice President of External Affairs Craig D’Agostini, highlighting the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors and the lasting impact Comcast RISE has on small businesses and the community.<\/p>\n

“Together with our partners in Grand Rapids<\/span> and Muskegon<\/span>, we’re bringing $3 million<\/span> in grant packages including marketing and technology makeovers to the West Michigan<\/span> small business community,” said Comcast Regional Vice President of External Affairs, Craig D’Agostini. “We’re dedicated to building on West Michigan’s<\/span> entrepreneurial growth, and Comcast RISE offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by uplifting eligible business owners in our community with direct support.”<\/p>\n

According to a recent report<\/a> from the Grand Rapids Chamber, 74% of Muskegon<\/span> small business owners cited rising costs as a cause for limiting their operations. In Kent County<\/span>, 53% of businesses also cited rising costs as a major issue.<\/p>\n

“The feedback is clear: It’s never been more important to champion small businesses, and ensure they have the support they need to thrive,” said Grand Rapids Chamber President Rick Baker<\/span>. “Across the board \u2013 the Chamber, local elected leadership in Grand Rapids<\/span> and Muskegon<\/span>, state representatives, and Comcast \u2013 our collective goal is to elevate small businesses and create an opportunity to help solve some of the challenges small business owners are facing.”<\/p>\n

Panelists included Muskegon Chamber CEO Rachel Gorman<\/span>, Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Jenny Waugh<\/span>, and Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington<\/span> and former Comcast RISE recipient and Delight in Designs CEO Jessica Crosby<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“To run a small business, you need grit, faith, and the ability to seize opportunities when they present themselves,” said Delight in Designs CEO and former Comcast RISE recipient, Jessica Crosby<\/span>. “With Comcast RISE, the opportunity is obvious. This is the chance for small business owners to get the technology, marketing support, and resources they need to succeed, now more than ever.”<\/p>\n

\n About Comcast RISE
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\n Grand Rapids<\/span>, Muskegon<\/span>, and surrounding areas will be one of five regions where eligible small businesses will have the opportunity receive grants through Comcast RISE.<\/p>\n

The program will provide 100 eligible small businesses with comprehensive packages that include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n