Comcast recently distributed a total of $1 million in grants through the Comcast RISE program to local small businesses owned by people of color. Angela Brown, owner of Brown Angel Skin and Hair, and Roger Maldonado, owner of Mediums Collective, were among the one hundred small businesses in King and Pierce Counties that received $10,000 grants through Comcast RISE. We congratulate them on their success and are proud to profile their operations.
Located in the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Brown Angel Skin & Hair is an LGBTQ, Black, womxn-owned organic skin and hair care product line. Brown Angel Skin & Hair offers luxury aromatherapeutic spa-like home moisture treatments that encourage healthy, glowing skin and hair.
“I started my business in my kitchen making for myself, and I just decided to share it with the world one day. But my business is also a microbusiness, and I was concerned about taking a risk,” said Angela. “Being a recipient of the Comcast RISE grant has allowed me to take that risk, scale up my business and take it to the next level.”
A Medium in the Art world is a powerful tool for expression! Mediums Collective is a Seattle-based streetwear brand building a community of artists dedicated to pursuing the hustle behind the passion. As a Streetwear brand, they are committed to staying active in the streets. Check out how they continue to build a community and work for the northwest fashion and creative scene.
“I got the Comcast RISE grant on my birthday. It’s almost as those the stars aligned because I also started my business on my birthday seven years ago,” said Roger. “It’s a sign of celebration. It’s a sign to keep going forward. It gives me the motivation.”
In addition, a critical component of Comcast RISE is to invest in ongoing mentorship and resources to help businesses succeed over the long term. The program has partnered with Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs, to provide grant recipients with business coaching to help build skills focusing on company foundation, growing customers, and financial stability.
“Besides offering the financial support, Comcast RISE provided online help where we have access to coaches,” added Maldonado. “Having that connection that I can reach out to someone when I have a question is very important, and Comcast RISE offers that additional help.”
“The different business services connected to the Comcast RISE program came just in time. It provides an online community of other entrepreneurs as well as all kinds of marketing services and classes that I can take,” added Angela. “I am excited about stepping up my game as an entrepreneur. I learn more from other professionals. I’m going to be able to do so many things that I wouldn’t do at this moment without the Comcast RISE grant.”
Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment, is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next ten years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs like Comcast RISE and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
