When Mitch Ermatinger launched Speciation Cellars in 2016, he was chasing the possibilities of mixed culture fermentation — a brewing process that layers yeast and bacteria to create complex flavors.
Nearly a decade later, his family-owned brewery and taproom on Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids has become a community hub. But like many small business owners, Ermatinger says he often finds himself debating whether to invest in new technology or save for the next payroll.
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ComcastLaura Kruisenga of Kennari Consulting has been selected for a 2025 Comcast RISE grant.
Three days before learning he had been selected for a Comcast RISE grant, he says, he spent half an hour deciding whether to spend $150 on a Chromebook.
“That situation is not uncommon for us or any other small business,” Ermatinger says. “Being selected for a Comcast RISE grant means I can spend more time connecting with our community and less time worrying about the technology we need to keep the business running.”
Speciation Cellars is one of
100 small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon receiving comprehensive support packages this year through Comcast RISE, a program designed to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth.
Four areas of support
The Comcast RISE initiative, now in its fifth year, tackles four key areas where small businesses often struggle: money, technology, marketing, and education. Each recipient receives a $5,000 grant, new computer equipment with a year of connectivity and cybersecurity, a professionally produced commercial with a six-month media schedule, online entrepreneurship courses, and personalized business coaching.
For Ermatinger, the package offers relief on multiple fronts — operational support for his taproom, marketing that can help introduce Speciation Cellars to new audiences, and education resources for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
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ComcastMichael Hyacinthe of Wimee's World has been selected for a 2025 Comcast RISE grant.
“I’d like to think that when you step into Speciation, drink one of our beverages or attend a free event, the main thing you feel is that we’re honest and passionate people working to make our little corner of the world better,” Ermatinger says.
Comcast leaders emphasize that the program’s benefits ripple beyond individual businesses.
“Our roots run deep in Grand Rapids and Muskegon,” says Sonya Callahan, regional vice president of Comcast Business, Heartland.
“Supporting the entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs, and build stronger communities is one way we can show up for our West Michigan customers. From investing in the latest network technology to serving thousands of local small businesses, we believe that when small businesses thrive, communities thrive.”
Since its launch, Comcast RISE has provided $160 million in resources to 14,500 small businesses nationwide. This year’s 500 recipients are located in five regions: Boston, Nashville, Seattle, South Valley (Utah), and Grand Rapids and Muskegon.
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