During National Small Business Week (April 29-May 4), Spectrum celebrates the impact of small businesses as the economic backbone of the communities where their employees and customers live and work. Since 2020, Spectrum, one of the nation’s leading internet, video, and audio providers, has launched initiatives ranging from free advertising campaigns and access to capital to meaningful partnerships with its 41 diversely owned suppliers and vendors. Through our efforts, we have committed $185 million to support more than 427,000 small businesses. -State service area.
“Small businesses drive economic growth, create jobs and foster a sense of community,” said Rahman Khan, group vice president of community impact at Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand. “We provide neighborhood coffee shops, restaurants, and stores with affordable connectivity products, as well as business tools and resources to support long-term success.”
National Small Business Week 2024: Bridging the Gap and Building Networks
Spectrum kicked off its National Small Business Week celebration in Charlotte earlier this month. During this time, the company welcomed dozens of small business owners to spend an evening networking with nonprofit organizations, local elected officials, and Spectrum leaders, and learning about Spectrum’s various resources. Ta. I’ll make an offer.
Spectrum also used this opportunity to invest in the National Minority Economic Development Institute (the Institute), a Durham, North Carolina-based nonprofit company that provides training, support, and access to capital to diverse businesses. announced a donation of $10,000.
“Our mission is to strengthen the wealth base of diverse people through policy, education and economic opportunity,” said Kevin Price, CEO of the Institute. “Spectrum’s generous gift will be used to provide scholarships for small business owners to attend the 2024 Executive Networking Conference, August 5-7 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This conference will focus on how diverse businesses can leverage technology to stay competitive and thrive.”
How Spectrum’s small business support makes a huge impact in your community
- ”pay in advance” is an effort by Spectrum Reach, Spectrum’s ad sales business, which has supported more than 2,000 small businesses in 36 states and invested more than $50 million since its launch in 2021. Through this program, underserved businesses will receive $15,000 worth of free advertising and creative. Services that determine the success or failure of rapidly growing small and medium-sized businesses. He is the only recipient. GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness In St. Louis, calls from people seeking prescription transfers spiked 23% after a free “Pay It Forward” commercial aired on local television.
- Spectrum Supplier Diversity This program connects diversely owned companies with opportunities to collaborate with Spectrum. Since 2023, Spectrum has spent more than $1 billion annually on supplier diversity, ensuring our network of vendors and suppliers reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Spectrum continues to expand and upgrade its network to deliver high-speed internet. 1.3 million We actively recruit diversified owned suppliers to provide labor services and materials in unserved areas in 24 states.
- of Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund provides financing through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to underserved small businesses whose products and services help meet the core needs of towns and cities.These include: Raza Development Fund, used Spectrum’s $3.2 million commitment to finance local Latino-owned businesses in California, Florida, Ohio, and Texas. To date, the loan fund has committed more than $29 million in loan capital, capacity grants, and in-kind contributions to 15 CDFIs in 16 states, covering nearly 85% of Charter’s business size . This investment contributed $59 million in loans to more than 1,200 small businesses and created or retained more than 5,000 jobs.
- Spectrum Business provides affordable products to more than 2.2 million small businesses nationwide, including: Spectrum One for Businessintegrates reliable and secure Spectrum Internet, Mobile, and Advanced WiFi to help small businesses connect with customers and compete locally and globally. Radio business”let’s start” initiative also offers free guidance, educational resources, and mentorship programs to help the next wave of small businesses turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
“Local neighborhood businesses are critically important and bring vitality to our towns and cities, but they need support to succeed in a difficult and competitive market,” said Mr. Khan. From capital to connectivity, we ensure small businesses are ready for today and tomorrow. ”
