Spectrum Announces Grant Application For Small Businesses Now Open

Spectrum Reach, the advertising sales business of Charter Communications, Inc., today announced it will offer 250 underserved small business owners from Harlem to Hollywood access.

The have access to its expert advertising and marketing resources through its 2024 “Pay It Forward” initiative, which is now accepting applications for this year’s program. Local entrepreneurs selected to participate will receive a live and streaming TV campaign worth up to $15,000 along with a custom produced 30-second commercial, marketing consultation services, mentoring and educational resources, and networking opportunities.

“Small underserved businesses are critical to the local economies of the cities and towns we serve, and they often need help connecting their message to their potential customers,” said Michael Guth, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Spectrum Reach. “Our focus is on supporting local businesses, and with ‘Pay It Forward’ we are providing them with the tools, resources and marketing expertise so they can continue to grow and thrive in their communities.”

Spectrum Reach Has Helped 2,000 Businesses and Counting

Since launching “Pay It Forward” in 2021, Spectrum Reach has invested more than $50 million in advertising and resources and helped more than 2,000 underserved businesses in 36 states across its footprint, from coffee shops and childcare facilities to restaurants and law firms. Among the 2023 “Pay It Forward” participants was The Fitting Curve in Rockville Center, which used Spectrum Reach’s complimentary resources and advertising to introduce itself to potential customers.

“As a small business, traditional forms of marketing always seemed out of reach for us. The ‘Pay It Forward’ program allowed us to reach not only our target demographic but also so many new clients,” said Stephanie Vincent, Co-Founder of The Fitting Curve. “It really broadened our horizons of how investing in marketing but also in ourselves is worth it. We were surprised how much our commercial stayed with viewers and potential clients weeks and months after it aired and the word of mouth. It really proved the point of paying it forward.” 

‘Pay It Forward’ Participants Enjoy Free Advertising, Mentoring, Marketing Support

With this year’s “Pay It Forward” program, Spectrum Reach will offer each participating business access to a range of high-value services, including:

• Free advertising. Local businesses selected to participate will receive access to Spectrum Reach’s award-winning, in-house creative agency Kernel; a 30-second original commercial; and a complimentary linear and streaming TV advertising campaign that will run throughout April, May and June.

• Expert mentoring. “Pay It Forward” will provide businesses with support and advice from other entrepreneurs, business owners and previous participants in the program, to help them navigate the challenges of owning a business and identify opportunities for growth.

• Resources. In addition to dedicated support from Spectrum Reach’s local marketing experts, businesses will receive a free laptop and for the duration of the program will have access to a members-only “Pay It Forward” website featuring educational resources, webinars, news and business insights to help them build and grow a successful brand.

Spectrum Reach also will host local and virtual events throughout the year for entrepreneurs and business owners to share ideas and build community. Reach has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Black Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other organizations in regional markets to host events throughout the year.

To apply for Spectrum Reach’s 2024 “Pay It Forward” program, underserved businesses must be legally registered to operate within a designated market area served by Spectrum Reach. The deadline for applications is February 25 and this year’s participants will be announced in late March. More information is available here.

Spectrum Reach

Spectrum Reach®, the advertising sales business of Charter Communications, Inc,, provides custom advertising solutions for local, regional and national clients. Operating in 36 states and 91 markets, Spectrum Reach creates scalable advertising and marketing services driven by aggregated and de-identified data insights and award-winning creative services. Spectrum Reach helps businesses of all sizes reach anyone, anywhere, on any screen. Additional information about Spectrum Reach can be found at spectrumreach.com.