Rally Around Small Business Returns in April
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — As we are faced with the coronavirus crisis and its looming economic impact, it is more important than ever that we support small business in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.
That’s why The Business Journal is kicking off the “Now More Than Ever! Rally Around Small Business 2020” campaign this April. Sponsored by Home Savings Bank, this is the second year for this grassroots initiative that puts the spotlight on the businesses and entrepreneurs whose viability is under threat from the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the shutdown of so many offices, worksites, restaurants and retail, small business is bearing the brunt of the 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 to help them survive and thrive.”
During the 60-day Rally Around Small Business campaign, The Business Journal will publish news, strategies and resources across its extensive multimedia platform to help small businesses get back on their feet. Reporters will profile the “Unsung Heroes” of local small business and include comprehensive coverage of the unprecedented challenges they are now facing and how they continue to drive our region’s Brain Gain by promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and workforce development.
Interviews with industry leaders and small business advocates such as the Better Business Bureau, chambers of commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business 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 at The Business Journal 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 its Pep Talk & Pitch program, in which business owners can record their own video message for posting on The Business Journal’s social media platforms, including YouTube, gaining 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 a chance to win 90-day integrated multimedia marketing packages. To nominate an “Unsung Hero,” residents can go to BusinessJournalDaily.com/rally-around-small-business and fill out the form.
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 of coalition members will narrow the field to three businesses who will receive extended coverage and a 90-day multimedia marketing program.
“We’re focusing our coverage on small businesses all month to show our readers all the inventive ways we can work together to overcome the coronavirus crisis and its economic impact,” Wood says. “Small businesses keep the regional economy thriving, and now more than ever, we’re rallying the community to show their support.”
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
