YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — As we face the coronavirus crisis and its economic impact, it’s more vital than ever to support small business in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.
That’s why The Business Journal is launching the “Now More Than Ever! Rally Around Small Business 2020” campaign this month. Sponsored by Home Savings Bank, this is the second year for our rally that shines the spotlight on local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“With the shutdown of so many offices, worksites, restaurants and retail establishments, small business is bearing the brunt of the pandemic’s impact,” says Jeff Herrmann, CEO of the Youngstown Publishing Co. “We are committed to helping them through these uncertain times by leveraging our editorial resources and marketing services so we all survive and thrive once this crisis ends.”
During the 60-day Rally Around Small Business campaign, The Business Journal will publish news, strategies and resources across our extensive multimedia platform to help small businesses get back on their feet. Reporters will profile “Unsung Heroes” of local small business and include comprehensive coverage of the unprecedented challenges they now face and how they continue to drive Brain Gain by promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and workforce development. Interviews with industry leaders and small business advocates will identify ways businesses can adapt to the current circumstances.
“We have been the voice for small business in the region for more than 35 years,” says Andrea Wood, publisher of The Business Journal. “Our mission has always been to promote the growth of business, industry and quality of life in our region, and we will continue to do so in these uncertain times.”
Rally Around Small Business includes social media and video initiatives to keep small businesses connected to the community. Visitors to The Business Journal’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages are invited to give their “Unsung Hero” an extra plug by sharing a picture taken at the business or with a product, adding it to a post pinned to the top of each profile page.
The Business Journal is also courting video greetings for our new Pep Talk & Pitch program, in which business owners can record their own video message for posting on our social media platforms, including YouTube, and gain direct access to the audience and their customers.
“Our multiplatform campaign will engage readers on our YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, encouraging them to tell us how their favorite small businesses have stepped up during this time,” Herrmann says.
Anyone can nominate a business to receive coverage and earn integrated multimedia marketing packages. To nominate an “Unsung Hero,” go to BusinessJournalDaily.com/rally-around-small-business and complete the form.
Nominees should have no more than 500 employees and must be based in the five-county region. All nominees will be recognized in The Business Journal and on BusinessJournalDaily.com. A selection committee will narrow the field to three businesses who will receive extended coverage and a 90-day marketing program.