WRTA Kicks Off Second Annual “Give Small Business a Lift” Campaign

WRTA is rolling out its second annual “Give Small Business A Lift” campaign. Last year, more than 80 local businesses applied to win the twelve coveted spots as featured businesses for the campaign. The 2023 campaign is expected to be bigger and more inclusive than ever.

“Give Small Business A Lift” is designed to promote local small businesses — spotlighting twelve local businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. 

“Small business is the backbone of our economy across the nation and especially here in the Valley. “ says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “WRTA is proud to provide transportation to the much of the workforce of these businesses and this campaign is our effort to give them the recognition and support they deserve.” 

HOW IT WORKS

Small businesses located in Mahoning County complete the short form below to nominate themselves. Nominations are accepted from March 13 through March 31.

A select group of three local community leaders who serve as co-chairpersons select the winners from the nominations. The twelve winners will be notified the first week in April. The featured businesses will be publicly announced and presented their awards at the kickoff event April 20 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.

TWELVE WINNERS PROMOTED

The twelve featured businesses be promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, tv spots, digital and ads donated by The Business Journal.

TWO BONUS AWARDS 

During the kickoff event, two drawings will be held and one business will also receive a $3,000 TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV and one business will receive a $3,600 social media campaign donated by BOPsocial.com.

The three-month long promotion of the twelve featured businesses will begin April 30 to coincide with National Small Business Week and continue through July 30. 

WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if you applied last year and did not win one of the twelve featured business spots. 

Co-sponsors of the 2023 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign are The Business Journal, WKBN TV and BOPsocial.com.

Ready to Nominate Your Business?

Starting Monday, March 13 and ending Friday, March 31, you can nominate your business by filling out the form below. The businesses selected will be notified by email and announced on WRTA’s website and social media.

Following our request, WRTA has received many nominations for businesses who would like to be a part of this campaign. Watch for our forthcoming announcement of the small businesses that have been chosen.