Telecommunications giant Comcast may be headquartered in Philadelphia, but Atlanta has grown to become the company’s prime testing ground for new technologies and community programs. And entrepreneurs are reaping the benefits.
Comcast has set up its Atlanta office at The Battery to serve as its Southeast and Midwest hub, Mike McArdle, Comcast Senior Regional Vice President, told Hypepotamus. But the surrounding Metro area is often the first spot in the country to get new products and services that the team is building.
“In Atlanta, we have the benefit of such a diverse base of customers both on the residential side and the business side. It really allows us to test the feasibility, the scalability, and the application of these technologies in a market,” he added. “Atlanta was one of the first markets where we roll out some of our more advanced technology from a customer experience and reliability perspective.”
That includes the launch of the recent Xfinity Mobile plans that enhance data streaming options, and new products that improve the customer experience and reliability for both individual homes and larger businesses using Comcast for wireless and broadband services.
Now, every startup and small business needs strong and fast internet options if they are to grow and compete. So when we asked McArdle what he wants people to think of when they hear the word Comcast, McArdle said “connectivity and community.”
For Comcast’s Atlanta team, that means investing in the local startup ecosystem. Comcast has played an important role in growing Atlanta’s entrepreneurial scene by backing startup accelerators and launching new educational programs.
But to grow its impact, the company recently unveiled its Project UP innovation blueprint, its $1 billion commitment to digital equity. Last month in Atlanta, Comcast unveiled Project RISE, a comprehensive grant program for local entrepreneurs. From May 1-31, 2024, eligible small businesses in Atlanta, GA, Southern Colorado, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, and Richmond, VA can apply for the Comcast RISE program. Selected startups will receive business coaching sessions, education resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedules, and technology makeovers.
You can watch more about the project, which recently got underway through a partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneur (RICE), here:
