Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and navigating the many resources available to support their growth can be challenging. Across the four-county region, a robust network of public agencies, nonprofit organizations and economic development offices provides critical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the local government resources available to help small businesses thrive in this dynamic region.
Four-County Region
Lake to River Economic Development
As the region’s official JobsOhio partner, Lake to River Economic Development leads efforts in business retention, expansion and attracting new investments. The Lake to River Small Business Success Program works closely with entrepreneurs to support small business growth. Certified business advisers assist with securing capital, navigating procurement opportunities, developing business plans and integrating advanced technologies.
Mahoning and Trumbull
Western Reserve Port Authority
The Western Reserve Port Authority provides financing, site development and infrastructure assistance. It offers tax-exempt and taxable bond financing, infrastructure funding and tax incentives like abatements and tax increment financing. WRPA also assists with property acquisition, brownfield redevelopment and site selection to help businesses expand. Beyond financing and site development, WRPA promotes business growth through loan programs, public-private partnerships and Foreign Trade Zone benefits that reduce import/export costs.
Mahoning County
Campbell Office of Economic Development
The Campbell Office of Economic Development collaborates with community partners to provide resources for business retention and expansion, ensuring local companies have the tools they need to succeed. It also manages various grants, such as the Community Development Block Grant and the Industrial Light Grant, to create sustainable neighborhoods, and improve infrastructure and business operations.
The City of Struthers supports business owners through various initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and community development. One of its key resources is the Castlo Industrial Park, a nonprofit community improvement corporation that offers commercial and industrial spaces with essential infrastructure, including rail and road access, full utilities and overhead cranes.
City of Youngstown Economic Development
The Youngstown Economic Development Portal is an all-in-one platform designed to support business owners by providing access to a wide range of programs, services and opportunities. Offerings include revolving loan funds, the small business boost program, façade grant program, opportunity zone tax credit program, HUBZone empowerment contracting program, Ohio enterprise zone program, interim float loans and business park incentives.
Trumbull County
The Economic Development Department of Newton Falls supports local businesses through programs like the Downtown Enhancement Program and the Community Reinvestment Area. The Downtown Enhancement Program offers grants to help property owners improve the exteriors of their buildings.
The Niles Community Improvement Corp. supports business owners through property acquisition, tax-deductible donations and grant opportunities. Administered by the Niles CIC, the Downtown Power Incentive Program offers property tax abatements, income tax incentives, and grants to help businesses reduce costs and enhance their properties. Businesses must apply and receive approval from the DPIP committee, which includes city officials.
City of Warren Economic Development
The City of Warren’s Economic Development Department offers business development loans, or low-interest loans for capital assets and working capital to assist small businesses in starting or expanding. The department offers assistance with site selection and zoning assistance to confirm that selected sites meet business needs.
Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp.
The Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. is a private nonprofit organization that supports commercial growth by acquiring, stabilizing and reselling properties and provides project management support for public initiatives. It also offers guidance and resources to startups and expanding businesses.
Columbiana County
The City of Salem Downtown Commercial Buildings 2024 Grant provides financial assistance to improve and revitalize commercial properties in the downtown area. Information on permits, licensing and other essential services can be found on the official Salem City Hall website, ensuring that businesses receive the necessary support for long-term success.
Columbiana County Office of Economic Development
The Columbiana County Office of Economic Development helps businesses explore various incentive programs, including Community Reinvestment Areas and Enterprise Zones, which offer tax exemptions and incentives for companies investing in property improvements and new projects. The CCOED also oversees the Columbiana County Land Bank, which focuses on eliminating blight and preparing properties for future development.
Columbiana County Port Authority
The Columbiana County Port Authority supports tax incentive initiatives, including the Community Reinvestment Area and Enterprise Zone programs. It also collaborates with regional organizations such as the Regional Chamber and Valley Partners to promote economic development, provide
advocacy and offer business services aimed at fostering the growth and retention of small businesses.
Community Action Agency of Columbiana
The Community Action Agency of Columbiana County provides asset building programs designed to help income-eligible residents establish small businesses. These programs include small business development training and access to several revolving loan funds aimed at supporting individuals who want to launch or expand a business within the county.
Sustainable Opportunity Development Center
The Sustainable Opportunity Development Center offers business development services such as training, technical support and strategic guidance, helping entrepreneurs expand their operations. It also provides affordable office space, which is beneficial for startups or businesses aiming to grow without incurring high overhead costs.
The Village of Leetonia, Ohio, supports small businesses through its Community Reinvestment Area program, which provides property tax exemptions to encourage investment in commercial and residential properties. Businesses that invest in new construction or major renovations within the CRA may qualify for tax abatements, which can last from 10 to 15 years, depending on the scope of the project.
Mercer County, Pa.
The City of Farrell offers a Revolving Loan Fund to support small businesses looking to expand, improve or relocate within the city. This low-interest loan program is designed to encourage economic growth by providing financial assistance to businesses that can contribute to job creation and local development.
Hermitage offers various resources to support small business owners and encourage local economic development. The city’s official website provides essential information about industries and links businesses to local support services. The city offers a Revolving Loan Fund designed to promote economic development within the community by offering low-interest financing to qualifying businesses.
Sharon supports small business owners through various financial assistance programs, including revolving loan funds and grants. The Sharon Economic Development Grant Fund is a program designed to assist businesses within the
16146 zip code. This initiative is a partnership between Penn State Shenango, the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio and local economic development organizations.
Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission provides help with securing grants, loans and funding for business development and growth. The MCRPC also offers assistance with zoning, land use, and site selection to help businesses find ideal locations. The commission promotes local economic development, offers technical support and works with regional partners to foster business retention and job creation.
Lawrence County, Pa.
New Castle provides several grants and loan opportunities to assist small business owners. The city operates the Enterprise Zone Revolving Loan Fund, which offers loans at a 3% interest rate to encourage economic development and job creation within the area. The New Castle Neighborhood Partnership Program features a Small Business Grant and Microloan Program designed to support both established and new businesses located in the South Side business district.
Citywide Development Corporation
The Citywide Development Corp. introduced a microgrant program in 2025 to help new and existing businesses establish storefronts in designated commercial areas. The CDC also provides loan programs designed to assist businesses with expansion and job creation.
Forward Lawrence provides financial assistance programs, including business loans, grants, tax credit incentives and training funds, helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow and succeed. These resources are designed to remove financial obstacles and encourage local economic development.
Shenango Township Economic Development
Shenango Township Economic Development provides various resources to support small businesses. Its Business Hub offers guidance on commercial leasing and office space options, helping entrepreneurs find the right locations for their ventures. The Shenango LaunchBox, in collaboration with Penn State University, connects entrepreneurs with business planning, legal services and networking opportunities to help them succeed.