A big boost for small businesses

In 2019, Natalie Ceis switched to full-time personal training, but the COVID-19 pandemic initially posed challenges. To maintain connections, she offered workout sessions in parks and through Zoom, rapidly growing her clientele. By late 2021, Ceis opened bodySTRONG fitness studio in Burien, benefiting from relaxed COVID restrictions and affordable rents. The Comcast RISE program further boosted her business by providing essential digital tools and a $5,000 monetary grant. "It helped a lot," Ceis said, emphasizing the program's impact.

Launched in 2020, Comcast RISE aims to support small businesses in King County with over $3 million in grants. Eligible businesses can apply between May 1-31, with winners announced in August. Ceis's business continued to flourish, expanding into a 4,000-square-foot space in Burien last year.