iHeartMedia Cleveland kicks off the new year with the launch of two significant initiatives aimed toward improving the outcomes for local businesses in 2021.  Throughout the month of January, local Cleveland area small businesses are encouraged to register online for the opportunity to be featured in a $25,000 iHeartMedia marketing plan.

“Last year was brutal for small businesses in our community,” commented Keith Hotchkiss, President of iHeartMedia Cleveland Metro.  “We believe the significant reach of our media assets, combined with this meaningful marketing campaign, will be the difference maker for a local company here in Cleveland.  There are 36% fewer local businesses operating in the area than this time last year, according to Crain’s Cleveland.”

Small businesses have until Sunday, January 31, 2021 to enter through the “Small Business Stimulus” link on any of the following websites:  www.wtam.com, www.wgar.com, www.wmms.com, www.wmji.com, www.KissCleveland.com, www.Real1061Cleveland.com, www.1065TheLake.com, or www.1350TheGambler.com.

In addition to the $25,000 marketing plan awarded to one select business, iHeartMedia Cleveland has also launched a Small Business Spotlight series in 2021.  Local businesses will be selected and highlighted in on-air radio vignettes across all iHeartMedia stations in the Cleveland market.  These featured businesses can be viewed on any of the above websites, searching Keyword: Biz.

Hotchkiss added, “The symbolic turning of the calendar to 2021 will mean just a bit more than it traditionally does. iHeartMedia Cleveland is proud to support this unique and meaningful donation of airtime and resources to help improve the outcomes of the small businesses in our communities, who are our partners, neighbors and listeners.”