With the arrival of Small Business Week in North Alabama, City of Huntsville leaders and businesses turn towards the hundreds of companies and entrepreneurs that make up a major backbone for Huntsville’s economy.

Along with this recognition comes various awards that help to highlight the importance of small businesses in Huntsville, as well as throughout the nation.

Recently, Comcast announced that the company awarded technology makeovers to three BIPOC-owned small businesses in North Alabama. These three businesses are a part of more than 8,000 entrepreneurs nationwide that were selected as Comcast RISE awardees in the program’s fourth phase.

Comcast RISE brings together the visions of two sides of the company, Comcast Business and Effectv, with the goal of empowering business owners with the expertise and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic. This brings the four cornerstones of the RISE program, Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment, together as a means to promote Black, Indigenoues, People of color, and women-owned small businesses around the U.S.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these North Alabama businesses and award technology makeovers,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional SVP Comcast. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we are honored to play a role in their continued success.”

The winners from the city of Huntsville include Avon Shanika Jackson Makeup Queen, a local beauty product supplier, and Baldispino Artistry Group, a home accent business that specializes in bamboo centerpieces.

Braids and More by Keya LLC, located in Madison, won the third award for North Alabama. Owner Lakeya Humphrey is a natural hair stylist who creates stress-free styles in a soothing environment.

For Humphrey, winning this makeover was a testament to the business’s triumph over the past year’s tribulations.

“The pandemic created a lot of challenges for small business owners like me,” said Humphrey. “When I found out that I won the equipment and cash awards from the Comcast RISE program, I felt supported and so honored. Having Comcast’s support even inspired me to give back to my community and help parents and children in need of my services.”

Along with the tech makeover, the three North Alabama businesses will receive computer equipment and internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to 12 months.

For more information about the RISE program, please visit comcastrise.com