Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — For the fourth year in a row, the WRTA will promote and honor local small businesses along with their owners and employees during its “Give Small Business a Lift” event.

Twelve local small businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic will be featured. A panel of business and community leaders will choose the participants.

More than 200 Valley businesses took part in the first three years.

“We cannot overstate how important small business is to our local and national economy,” Dean Harris, WRTA executive director, said.

“But starting a small business also seems to take a special sort of grit and determination that exemplifies what America is all about.”

To qualify, small businesses must be located in Mahoning County. The short entry form must be completed by an owner or authorized officer / manager.

Visit WRTAonline.com to nominate your business. The deadline for nominations is April 14.

Three community leaders will select the winners from the nominations. The 12 winners will be honored at the kickoff event April 30 at Lariccia Community Center in Boardman Park.

The featured businesses will be honored at the event and promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, and on social media and TV commercials.

One honoree will be selected as “Small Business of the Year,” and receive a free TV advertising campaign and a social media campaign.

The three-month-long promotion will start May 1.