Two Chester companies have received part of $1 million in Comcast Corp. RISE grants given to Chester and Philadelphia, writes Kennedy Rose for Philadelphia Business Journal.  

Akira Academy Daycare and Preschool, LLC and Rasheedah’s Exquisite Hair Designs each received $10,000.

The program launched last fall. Plans call for grant, tech and media support for 13,000 Black, indigenous- and people of color-owned companies by 2022.

Philadelphia-based Comcast also selected 400 recipients in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Houston.

“Philadelphia relies on strong corporate citizens like Comcast, which recognizes the impact of investing in small, minority-owned businesses that strengthen commercial corridors in neighborhoods,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement.

Comcast RISE, or “representation, investment, strength, and empowerment,” provides $75 million in cash and $25 million in media.

Besides grants, RISE offers businesses access to a 90-day media campaign or consulting services from Comcast’s advertising arm, Effectv.

It’s part of Comcast’s s $100 million commitment to “fighting injustice and inequality.”

Funding supports:

• Social justice organizations
•  Accelerating diversity and inclusion efforts by employees
• Inclusion efforts for employees
• Highlighting Black voices and stories through Comcast’s media channels
• Addressing digital inequities
• Boosting small businesses.

Read more at Philadelphia Business Journal about Comcast grants to diverse businesses.