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Agora Data Adds Credit Lines for Buy Here Pay Here Dealers

Agora

Adding to its suite of market-disruptive capabilities, Agora Data, Inc. announced the rollout of its newest tool, AgoraCredit – a dealer-friendly line of credit to continue helping an underserved segment of the auto industry. With AgoraCredit, Buy Here Pay Here dealers and other underbanked originators can transition from their current senior lender into interim credit lines that are designed to transition them into a highly efficient and abundant source of permanent capital, AgoraCapital. AgoraCredit was created with the specific goal of not locking originators into expensive and risky lines of credit, but instead with the objective of providing a smooth glidepath into Agora Data’s groundbreaking crowdsourced securitization, AgoraCapital. The formation of AgoraCredit happens on the heels of Agora Data’s announcement of the first-ever crowdsourced auto securitization that closed on December 29, 2020. That securitization gave Buy Here Pay Here dealers and subprime originators of all sizes access to the capital markets with lower cost of funds and other business transformation benefits. AgoraCredit works in partnership with AgoraCapital rather than in competition with it and removes barriers for auto dealers and small to mid-size finance companies to graduate directly into this new source of funding that has never been available to the auto industry. “Closing the first crowdsourced securitization at the end of 2020 was a monumental achievement for the auto industry. We showed proof of concept for a business model that brings favorable financing terms to an underserved group of entrepreneurs,” said Steve Burke, CEO, Agora Data, Inc. “With AgoraCredit, we made another addition to our suite of already game-changing capabilities. AgoraCredit will make the process even easier for more dealers and finance companies to access capital.” Agora Data has created access to capital for Buy Here Pay Here dealers and small to mid-sized finance companies. Pioneered by Agora Data, both AgoraCapital and AgoraCredit provide a new funding channel to obtain all the cash needed to fuel growth. Agora’s proprietary radical AI-infused technology connects dealers and finance companies with the capital markets. For capital markets stakeholders, AgoraTrade and AgoraCapital provide an opportunity to participate in a time-tested asset class previously not available. Agora Data made history with the closing of the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization on December 29, 2020. Founded in 2017. agoradata.com. For more information, contact Agora Data at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Agora Data, Inc Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Eric PR & Marketing, LLC Eric Nemeth 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

February 09, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Noy Fund and Nofar Energy enter Italy’s Energy Market

Nofar Energy Ltd.

Sunprime, which specializes in the development, certification, and construction of solar energy systems, won a tender for building 30MW rooftop capacity at a secured rate of €90-102 for 20 years. Sunprime is also in the process of licensing and developing a cumulative total of 100 MW Nofar and Noy Fund expect their collaboration in surplus-yield segments will accelerate the development and maximize the Italian market's potential. Nofar Energy today reported it had entered an agreement to invest in Sunprime General Srl via Andromeda Solutions, a company jointly held by Noy Fund (60%) and Nofar Energy (40%). Sunprime Generation develops, certifies, and builds photovoltaic rooftop systems in Italy. The power generated by these systems is sold at a fixed rate for 20 years under tenders published by Italy’s Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA). The partners will invest ~€40 million in shares that account for up to 50% of Sunprime’s share capital subject to attaining certain milestones. Nofar’s report shows the investment will be made via share purchase and allocation, including share convertible loans. The investment will be implemented in several stages, conditioned on winning ARERA’s tender for rooftop systems and the systems' physical readiness. The partners will provide €20 million in a shareholders’ loan to support Sunprime’s development and growth. As of the time of the report, Sunprime won a tender to build photovoltaic rooftop systems with a total throughput of 27.8MW. The electricity generated by the systems will be offered at €90-102 MW/h (€0.09 to 10.2 per Kw/h), a secured rate for 20 years. Sunprime also plans to bid on other projects published in 2021-2022 to build systems and sell the power generated by them at the rate stipulated in the various tenders (also secured for 20 years). Pini Cohen, Ran Shelach, and Gil-Ad Boshwitz, directors at Noy Fund, commented, “The investment in Sunprime adds to other strategic investments Noy Fund made in renewable energies in general and the high-growth niche market of solar roofs, in particular. The Fund had identified Sunprime as offering the most promising potential to achieve a breakthrough in the current phase of Italy’s solar roofs segment. |The new is aligned with the strategic thinking that has guided us in our successful investment in Nofar.” Nadav Tene, CEO of Nofar Energy, said, “Nofar Energy and its partner, Noy Fund, venture into Italy, a well-developed electricity market with multiple energy sources. The Italian government’s decision to increase the power generated from renewable energy sources to 55% of Italy’s power consumption played an important role in our investment decision. In line with Nofar’s signature approach, we focus on projects with a potential for surplus value and ROI. In Italy, too, each MW we generate will be worth more from the first tender. The transaction with Sunprime, a growing local platform, is expected to create Nofar and Noy Fund a significant potential for surplus yield.” Italy’s well-developed electricity market boasts numerous energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric facilities, renewable energies, and coal. In 2017, Italy’s government announced the National Energy Strategy, committing to phase out coal for energy production by 2025 and increase the share of electricity from renewable energy to 28% of its energy consumption by 2030 and 55% by 2030. In 2019, Italy set specific targets for renewable energies, including reaching an installed capacity of 50GW from solar energy and 18GW from wind energy by 2030. Noy Fund is Israel's largest infrastructure fund. To date, it had raised ~ILS 7 billion in three funds and other entities and is now in advanced stages of mobilizing its fourth fund of over ILS 2 billion. Noy Fund incorporates most of Israel's major institutional investors, including Altshuler Shaham, the Phoenix, Menora, Clal, Migdal, Amitim, Meitav Dash, Psagot, Halman Aldubi, Poalim Capital Markets, and more. Nofar Energy, which issued stock on TASE in December 2020, develops, certifies, builds, and operates photovoltaic systems, mainly in the dual segment (stored and rooftop power). As an engineering company, Nofar leverages its in-house capabilities to achieve operating flexibility and other benefits in this segment, which features surplus yields projects. The company translates wins into initiating, building and running projects with surplus yields and “megawatts that are worth more”. Contact Details Dikla Ivry Pardnoy +972 52-380-4085 dikla@ivripr.com

February 09, 2021 04:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Ignyte Assurance Platform

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with Ignyte Assurance Platform, a leading provider of software and consulting expertise for cyber risk, cyber compliance, and cybersecurity standards mapping and assurance. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. Ignyte Assurance Platform delivers a software product to assist with data collection, analysis, and to help streamline processes across multiple security frameworks at once. The capability developed by Ignyte Assurance Platform supports an organization’s efforts around security, governance, risk management, and compliance and provides a tested and proven range of solutions to improve overall cybersecurity protection and resilience while meeting requirements of standards such as CMMC. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between Ignyte Assurance Platform and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “While CMMC seems like a brand-new framework for someone outside the industry, we’ve been working on automation of its predecessor legislative and industry requirements such as DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST 800-171 and FedRAMP since 2012, eliminating manual components and automating governance processes” said Mr. Max Aulakh, Founder and CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform. “We recommend implementing NIST 800-171 for now, because it’s the first logical step in CMMC adaptation. NIST domains cover 110 controls out of 130 required for Level 3 of CMMC. Joining IT-AAC / COE in this initiative, we are not just bringing educational resources to the table, but have the means to utilize our technology to speed up and simplify CMMC adoption for the DoD Supply Chain” Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and Ignyte Assurance Platform partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on Ignyte Assurance Platform, please visit https://ignyteplatform.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

February 08, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

2021 Will Be the Year of Meaningful Travel

YourUpdateTV

Airbnb released a new report and highlighted how 2021 will see a shift toward more meaningful travel as the pandemic continues to limit mass tourism and afflict the industry overall. When travel returns in 2021, it will be about connecting with loved ones through more personal trips, with mass tourism unlikely to return at any scale this year. Recently, Director of International Communications at Airbnb, Cassidy Blackwell, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss this trend and much more. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/f00q-568WXw In the report, US consumers say their near-term travel priority is to spend time with family and friends in comfortable, familiar and secure settings. Here are some additional findings from the report: Travel for pleasure is the out-of-home activity Americans have missed the most—over going to restaurants and bars, and attending sporting and other live events. A majority is ready to travel again: 54% have either already booked, are currently planning to travel, or expect to travel in 2021. This includes 57% of 18- to 29-year-olds, and 60% of 30- to 49-year-olds. The type of travel people have missed the most is visiting with family and friends. Business travel is the type of travel they have missed the least. Connecting with family and friends is also the type of travel that has grown most in importance as people look to travel after the pandemic: 41% say such travel has become “much more” important to them, almost twice the percentage who cite travel to accomplish personal goals (22%). Affordability is the top priority overall when it comes to choosing accommodation not just for the first trip but for future travel indefinitely (54%), beating health and safety protocols by 10 points. Nearly three in five Americans (58%) earning less than $50,000 per year say they are booked, planning or expecting to travel in 2021. Based on ongoing Airbnb guest survey data, a majority of guests—including 53% of all homes guests in 2019—tell us they choose Airbnb to save money while traveling. 56% of those under age 50 say they would be “much” or “somewhat more likely” to use an online platform which offers the ability to search for alternate energy and green accommodations. Only 28% of those aged 50+ say the same. For more information on these trends and much more, visit Airbnb.com About Cassidy Blackwell: Cassidy Blackwell is the Director of International Communications at Airbnb. In her role she is responsible for leading the teams across EMEA, APAC, LATAM and China to drive initiatives that help to advance business objectives, policy priorities and brand reputation. In her tenure as a marketing and communications professional, Cassidy has experience in working in both tech, CPG, retail and philanthropy, with specialized experience in empowering women, people of color and other underserved communities around the world. Cassidy has been named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business, Brand Innovator's 40 Under 40 and a finalist for the Sage Group's Marketers Who Matter. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 05, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Scents of Space: Citizen Helps to Create a Relaxing Environment at Home

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/izrNOXrEqMI In a time where working remotely, virtual school and stay-in date nights have taken on a whole new meaning, your home environment has never become more important. Leading watchmaker, Citizen, launches a new innovative scent diffusing wellness clock – Sensory Time™ for home and offices. This multi-functional sensory clock is fully integrated, time saving and a life enhancing product. Our homes are our sanctuary; it is one of the few places where we feel comfortable, safe, and at peace. However, with the current events, many of us need to try to transform our homes into a more relaxing place, helping us to cope with all the stress that we might feel. Caroline Fabrigas, CEO of Scent Marketing Inc. and Co-founder of Scent Invent Technology partnered with Citizen, D S Simon Media, and YourUpdate TV on a nationwide media tour to discuss the ways the scents can be used to create a relaxing home environment and discuss the launch of the new scent-diffusing wellness clock from Citizen called Sensory Time™. The use of scent has become a vital part of everyday life as the pursuit for health and wellness increases. Created in partnership with IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), one of the largest fragrance houses globally, the end result was an innovative, scent diffusion system that provides high quality aromas. Sensory Time is available with two essential oil blends: Lavender Escape and Citrus Boost. Lavender Escape is a calming, uplifting blend of aromatic and woody noted for a sense of calm and a feeling of comfort and balance. Citrus Boost is an uplifting surge of stimulating botanicals for a sense of rejuvenation. This noiseless aroma machine can use essential oil directly without any water. Water based evaporators or fans destroy all the properties of the essential oil which are important for well-being. By using solid state diffusion technology the scent machine preserves all the good properties of the essential oil while providing a subtle diffusion Sensory Time also uses 100% essential oil, leaving nothing to waste. Nano particles leave no residue and allow you to scent a 500 cubic square feet house or office space subtly and efficiently. Replenishment oil supply will be sold to separately. Sensory Time is offered in three modern designs: White on Expresso Wood (CC1038), White on White (CC1036), and White on Dark Grey (CC1037). All clocks retail at $99.00. Sensory Time’s other unique features include precision timekeeping with a 24-hour digital clock and alarm for the scent diffusing mode, a Bluetooth wireless speaker that delivers pitch perfect sound, USB power source for extra charging capabilities and a modulating wellness light that adjusts to suit your mood. Sensory Time is the perfect gift for this holiday season. It is available at www.citizenwatch.com/sensorytime. About Citizen Watch: Citizen, a pioneer in watchmaking and innovation since 1918, promotes excellence and creativity with a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. Citizen advocates “Better Starts Now,” searching for and accomplishing goals that cultivate positive change. Driven to create timepieces enjoyed by citizens all over the world, Citizen formed an alliance partnership with Disney in 2018, another powerhouse brand with similar values. With a long-term partnership in place, Citizen participates in activations surrounding the Disney Parks, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Citizen is the Official Timepiece of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland with branded clocks in both theme parks. In addition, in 2020 Citizen joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of its website sales in the U.S. to support global nonprofit organizations focused on the environment. At Citizen, our purpose started with a simple yet revolutionary challenge to ourselves: to think about power differently. For over 40 years, CITIZEN’s proprietary Eco-Drive® technology has harnessed the power of light from any natural or artificial light source to convert it to energy, eliminating the need for any battery replacement, using a renewable energy to keep batteries from landfills. All watches require power, but very few consider the source that power comes from, and what impact it may have on not just the wearer, but the world at large. Eco-Drive isn’t an ordinary power source — it’s one with purpose built in. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 05, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

New Year, New Finances

YourUpdateTV

With the new year underway, it’s a great time to make some financial resolutions to help manage your money. In an increasingly digital world, it’s now more important than ever to harness the power of digital tools so you can level-up your financial journey in the year ahead. Recently, personal finance expert, Farnoosh Torabi, teamed up with Capital One and YourUpdateTV on a nationwide satellite media tour to share tips and digital banking resources to help consumers across the nation get set for financial success in the year ahead. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/8FpRQjEfQvc Shopping Smart When it comes to finances, the first place to look is your last few credit card statements, said Torabi, who recommends scrutinizing every purchase to make sure they fulfill a need. And, as we rely more and more on our phones for digital transactions, it can be easy to make impulse purchases, she said. According to Torabi, small behavioral shifts, like avoiding late-night spending, can help you mindfully shop and avoid unnecessary purchases. When you do shop, shop smart. Searching for discounts and coupons is one easy way to save, and, luckily, there are great digital tools out there that can do the work for you. For example, Capital One Shopping is an online tool that finds you better offers, automatically applies the best coupon code at checkout, and lets you know when prices drop on products you’ve viewed and purchased. The best part is it’s free and accessible for anyone in the U.S. via a browser extension download or mobile app on your phone. Getting Organized for Tax Season With tax season just around the corner, it’s never too early to get organized so you can get prepared and maximize your return. Torabi recommends filing your taxes online or by using a tax software to avoid costly errors. This is another great time to take advantage of digital tools like Eno, the intelligent assistant from Capital One, which is available to customers via text, email, mobile app and online. Eno proactively sends customers a personalized year-end summary of possible charitable donations made with their Capital One card so they can see what might be eligible for tax deductions. Protecting Yourself Online Protecting your personal information is paramount, which is why Eno creates virtual card numbers to disguise and protect your actual credit card number when making online purchases. You simply install the browser extension, and next time you’re checking out, you’ll be provided with a unique virtual card number specific to that site. And, it’s worth the reminder, said Torabi – do your research! If a site is new to you, glance at the Better Business Bureau or do a quick online search to make sure it’s a reputable merchant. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is! For more information about digital tools from Capital One, visit capitalone.com About Farnoosh Torabi: Farnoosh Torabi is one of America’s leading personal finance authorities — hooked on helping you live your richest, happiest life. As a Contributing Editor to Oprah Magazine and NextAdvisor, host of primetime series for CNBC and creator of the Webby-nominated podcast So Money, Farnoosh has become our favorite go-to money expert and financial friend. The New York Times calls her advice, “perfectly practical.” About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 03, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Jennifer Lang Financial Services Releases New 2021 Tax Planning Guide

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

February 02, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

New Suzy Research Shows Shift in Valentine’s Day Date Plans This Year

Suzy

Suzy, a real-time market research platform, today announced its new research report, “State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021,” shows that nearly 70% of consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. The report found that while many Americans and their significant others will change their romantic dinner plans compared to last year, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates still have the hearts of those planning to give candy to the people they love. According to Suzy research, top Valentine’s Day gifts include: Candy (66%); Flowers (60%); Jewelry (54%); Greeting Cards (52%); Wine/Alcohol (42%); and Perfume/Cosmetics (45%). A night in and dinner at home for most Likely due to COVID-19 restrictions or concerns, more than one-third of respondents (38%) who went out for Valentine’s Day last year are staying home this year. Suzy’s research also revealed that 31% who stayed home in 2020 are sticking to the same plan this time around, while nearly a quarter (24%) plan to go out for Valentine’s Day – just as they did last year. Most respondents are cooking dinner at home this year (36%), followed by ordering takeout from a restaurant (28%). Only 23% are planning to dine at a restaurant this year. Candy remains Cupid’s arrow Despite the shift in Valentine’s Day plans, candy remains a Cupid’s arrow for consumers who are planning to give gifts this year. In fact, 86% of those surveyed plan to buy Valentine’s Day candy this year, most often for a significant other (69%), their children (49%) or themselves (41%). The most popular candy purchases are the timeless heart-shaped box of chocolates (29%), followed by Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate-covered cherries (tied at 22%), M&M’s and conversation hearts (also tied at 11%). Most Americans will spend between $10 and $30 on candy (36%). A smaller percentage will spend between $33-50 (18%), $50-100 (15%), and more than $100 (12%) on candy. More than half of consumers are planning to buy greeting cards for Valentine’s Day (53%), with 41% of cards going to a significant other, and 11% to their children. “Research shows that Valentine’s Day this year means a candlelight dinner in the kitchen instead of a night out on the town, and brands will have to adjust accordingly,” said Suzy President Avi Savar. “While spending is still expected to be on par with previous years, sales strategies will need to be adjusted to meet consumer’s ever-changing needs during the pandemic.” Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 survey was conducted on Jan. 14, 2021, and included 538 respondents. A full report is available upon request. About State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 study surveyed 538 U.S. consumers in January 2021. The samples are directionally representative of U.S. consumers and census-weighted across age, gender, ethnicity, and region to accurately reflect attitudes across the broader American consumer population. About Suzy Founded in 2017, Suzy is an enterprise software platform that puts the voice of the consumer at your fingertips. Whether you’re a novice or an expert researcher, Suzy delivers advanced tools combined with the highest-quality audience to deliver insights in minutes. Many of the biggest brands in the world use Suzy to deliver breakthrough products and experiences backed by data-driven decisions. To date, Suzy has raised over $35MM in venture capital funding from investors that include Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Foundry Group, Tribeca Venture Partners, Triangle Peak Partners, and Kevin Durant’s 35 Ventures. Learn more at www.suzy.com. Contact Details Catrine Thorrud suzy@trustrelations.agency Company Website http://suzy.com/

February 02, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast RISE Awards 36 Black-Owned, Small Businesses in California with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

More than 700 Black-owned businesses across the country have been named Comcast RISE award recipients, including 36 small businesses in California. Now, the second phase of Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” is accepting applications through February 7, 2021. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive consulting, media, and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs. “While many of my contemporaries were preparing for retirement, I became an entrepreneur,” said Judi Townsend, founder and owner of the Oakland-based store, Mannequin Madness, that received media services through RISE. “My business is in the recycling industry, where I find new uses for old things. So, when COVID-19 hit, I had to reinvent again. And RISE is an important tool for publicizing the new direction of my business.” “When we were first shut down, we were looking at creating a bigger online profile, and I found the RISE program,” said Jonathan Powell, founder and co-owner of Forever Diamonds & More, a jewelry store in San Jose that received a 30-second TV commercial production. “When you’ve got an establishment like Comcast reaching to pull up small businesses, the lifeblood of the economy, take their hand!” "We all crave a good cup of coffee,” said Olton Rensch, founder and owner of San Francisco-based Tallio’s Coffee that received marketing consultation services. “I was looking for ways to bolster my business during COVID-19 and found the RISE program. Had I not applied, I would have lost out on this great opportunity to bring my dream to life.” Comcast RISE brings together two of the company’s brands — Comcast Business and Effectv, both with expertise in the small business space — to empower business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic. Comcast RISE consists of the following main components: A media and technology resources program: This pillar combines Effectv’s renowned media platform and marketing expertise, its award-winning creative agency, Mnemonic, and state-of-the-art technical support from Comcast Business to help small businesses foster and elevate growth. Recipients will receive help with their marketing, media campaigns and creation of 30-second commercials, as well as equipment and technology upgrades, including: ○ Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to grow your business. ○ Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. ○ Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production for their businesses. ○ Technology Makeovers: Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.) Business resources to help with curated content: Comcast has launched the Comcast RISE destination complete with aggregated small business news, tips, insights and more on the X1 platform. The destination is designed to help businesses grow by empowering them through education, inspiration and entertainment. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. Visit www.ComcastRISE.com to apply, for more information and the latest updates. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@Comcast.Com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

February 01, 2021 02:40 PM Pacific Standard Time

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