2025 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign Has Started. Nominate Your Business.
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has announced the start of the WRTA Give Small Business A Lift campaign. The campaign, now in its fourth year, promotes and honors local small businesses, their owners and employees.
The central focus of this campaign will be 12 local small businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.
The 12 honored businesses are chosen by a panel of fellow business and community leaders. Small business owners nominate their business to become eligible for the 12 featured spots.
More than 200 Valley businesses have participated in the first three years of this event. WRTA originated, hosted and sponsored this event since its inception. Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director said, “We cannot overstate how important small business is to our local and national economy. But starting a small business also seems to take a special sort of grit and determination that exemplifies what America is all about.”
WRTA provides transportation for the workforce of many of local businesses and wants to recognize and support their efforts.
How it works/Nominations
To qualify, small businesses must be located in Mahoning County and the short entry form must be completed by an owner or authorized officer/manager.
Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, April 14, 2025.
Three local community leaders who serve as co-chairpersons select the winners from the nominations. The twelve winners will be notified and honored at the kickoff event on Wednesday April 30 at Lariccia Community Center in Boardman Park.
Twelve Businesses Honored and Promoted
The twelve featured businesses will be honored at the event and promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, and TV commercials.
One Honoree Will Be Selected as “Small Business of the Year.”
One of the twelve businesses will be selected by vote as the Small Business of the Year. That business will receive a free TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV and a social media campaign donated by Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social.
Campaign Timing
The three-month-long promotion of the twelve featured businesses is scheduled will start May 1, 2025. Some of the past winners have indicated this has reported substantial increases in sales from this campaign.
WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if the business applied previously.
Nominate Your Business Now. Deadline is April 14, 2025.
You can nominate your business by submitting the form below by April 14. The businesses selected will be notified by email and announced on WRTA’s website and social media.
