The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) will be starting its "Give Small Business A Lift" campaign for the fourth straight year to promote and honor small businesses in Mahoning County.

WRTA has had over 200 small businesses participate in this event over the last three years of its existence.

"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," said WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris.

Twelve small businesses local to Mahoning County are chosen every year by a panel of business and community leaders.

These businesses will be notified and honored at WRTA's kickoff event on April 30 at the Lariccia Community Center in Boardman Park.

The businesses will then receive promotion from WRTA through adverts on buses, WRTA's digital sign in downtown Youngstown, social media and even commercials on TV.

One of these 12 businesses will receive the honor of "Small Business of the Year," and will earn a free TV advertising campaign.

The campaign is set to begin on May 1 and continue for three months.

Small businesses in Mahoning County interested in being considered for this campaign can have their owners fill out a short entry form at the link here.

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