CSBDF, Spectrum host Lighting the Way: A Celebration of NC Small Businesses, Spectrum invests $1.5 million in CSBDF to provide small business loans in Rural and Hurricane-impacted Areas of NC
- Carolina Small Business Development Fund
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
RALEIGH, N.C. – JUNE 5, 2025 – Spectrum and Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) today announced a $1.5 million capital commitment by the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund (the Loan Fund) to provide loans to small businesses in North Carolina. $1 million will be allocated to support small businesses in rural areas and $500,000 to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“Spectrum is part of every community it serves, and is committed to their continued success,” said Jeff Buller, Spectrum Vice President overseeing the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund. “Empowering small businesses is essential for the growth and resilience of local economies and to sustaining these communities. Through this partnership with CSBDF we will provide much needed capital to small businesses across North Carolina.”
Since 2021, Spectrum has invested $2.5 million in North Carolina’s small business economy through the Loan Fund, financing more than $4 million on loans in the state. These loans helped create or retain almost 400 local jobs. CSBDF, a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI), works to foster economic development in local communities by providing access to capital, business services, training and policy research. CSBDF works in partnership with many organizations to support North Carolina small businesses and entrepreneurs.
"Small businesses across North Carolina grow our economy, build thriving communities, and make our state stronger," said Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. "This partnership will provide critical support to our small businesses, particularly those in rural areas and those impacted by Hurricane Helene and is a testament to the power of partnerships and the importance of fostering economic growth and resilience."
CSBDF and Spectrum hosted Lighting the Way: A Celebration of NC Small Businesses Thursday at Union Hall in Raleigh to announce the investment and honor small businesses and community organizations with the following small business awards:
2025 Torchbearer of the Year given to the North Carolina Small Business Center Network
2025 Community Activator of the Year given to the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB)
2025 Change Agent of the Year given to Children’s Garden Montessori School
2025 Innovator of the Year given to Drums VS Flats
2025 Small Business Policy Champions given to:
Senator Dan Blue, District 14
Senator Ralph Hise, District 47
Representative Erin Paré, District 37
Representative Garland E. Pierce, District 48
Lieutenant Governor Hunt served as the keynote speaker at the event, delivering an address on the state of small business in North Carolina. The event also featured a ‘Sparks of Innovation’ panel with CSBDF President and CEO Kevin Dick, Spectrum Group Vice President Marva Johnson, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Fayetteville Technical Community College President Dr. Mark Sorrells. Spectrum’s Tim Boyum and Sarah Rudlang served as hosts. TowneBank served as the Title Sponsor of the event, while First Citizens Bank and Wells Fargo served as Champion Sponsors.
Spectrum Reach also announced Pay It Forward awards for Children’s Garden Montessori School and Drums VS Flats – which entail a complimentary traditional TV & streaming advertising campaign and commercial, as well as educational resources, mentorship, and connections to other entrepreneurs in their community. The event also featured a networking fair.
“We are honored to expand our partnership with Spectrum,” said Kevin Dick, CEO of Carolina Small Business Development Fund. “Small business ownership and growth are fundamental to developing and sustaining the economic strength of North Carolina’s communities. Building on the success of our initial partnership, this announcement will provide access to much-needed low-interest capital in North Carolina’s rural communities.”
About Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF)
Founded in 1990, Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a nonprofit and U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that fosters economic development in underserved communities through access to capital, technical assistance, and policy research to light the way for small businesses. Since 2010, CSBDF has contributed more than $121 million through more than 3,100 loans and grants to dedicated small businesses across North Carolina, helping to create or retain more than 5,350 full-time jobs.
More information can be found at carolinasmallbusiness.org.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, supported by a 100% U.S.-based workforce, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
For Media Inquiries
Alec Sawyer, Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Scott Pryzwansky, Charter Communications
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