Get Ready to ‘Rally Around Small Business’ This May!

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Supporting small business in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys is more important than ever, and The Business Journal is dedicating the month of May to promoting the companies that power our region’s economy and leveraging our editorial resources to help them grow.

Rally Around Small Business is a month-long campaign that will feature exclusive coverage of the “unsung heroes” of small business in the five-county region, says publisher Andrea Wood. The May and MidMay print editions and our website will include profiles and features on small businesses, as well as comprehensive coverage of the challenges small businesses face, how they overcome them and why with insights and advice that business owners can rely upon all year, Wood says.

Interviews with bankers, accountants and attorneys will identify some of the biggest challenges small businesses face, what advice they have for business owners looking to grow, and the most common mistakes they see business owners make. Reporters will talk with small business advocates such as the Better Business Bureau, chambers of commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business to learn what issues need to be addressed and how those organizations help.

“Since Day 1, our locally owned and independently operated newspaper has been the voice of small business in our region,” Wood says. “Our community exists because of entrepreneurs who took the risk to invest in our area and provide goods and services. With the loss of some major employers, now is more important than ever to support and patronize our local businesses.”

In addition to comprehensive print and video coverage that brings the stories of regional small businesses to the forefront, Rally Around Small Business includes social media initiatives to give residents an opportunity to interact with the business community and The Business Journal. The multiplatform campaign lets readers and residents sound off about their favorite small businesses, says Jeff Herrmann, chief revenue officer of The Business Journal.

Residents can go to BusinessJournalDaily.com/rally-around-small-business and fill out the form to nominate a company they feel exemplifies what it means to be a successful small business in the five-county region. Let The Business Journal know how these “Unsung Heroes” keep the economic engine churning by:

• Providing outstanding customer service.
• Offering cool, unique products or experiences.
• Going above and beyond to treat their employees well.
• Playing an active role in the community.

Nominees should have no more than 500 employees and should be based in the Mahoning or Shenango valleys. 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 as well as integrated multi-media marketing packages.

“Anyone can nominate a business. Whether you’re a regular customer or an employee, we want to hear why you think your nominee is great,” Herrmann says. “We’re giving our small businesses a platform all month to show our readers and the greater community all the incredible products and services offered right in their own backyard.”

“And we’re rallying the community as we emphasize why it’s essential to patronize the small businesses that keep dollars circulating in the regional economy, “Wood adds.

Visitors to The Business Journal’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages are invited to give “Unsung Heroes” an extra plug by sharing a picture taken at the business or with a product to a post pinned to the top of each profile page. “It’s a fun way to spread the word about cool businesses in the area that some residents may not know about,” Herrmann says.

“Be sure to tag the business and include the address so other customers know where to find it,” he says. “We encourage everyone to post, like, share and comment on the pictures. We’ll use some of the best pictures in our coverage.”

To submit a nominee, go to BusinessJournalDaily.com/rally-around-small-business.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.