Nominations Open for 5th Annual Small Business Awards
Nominate your business to win marketing, recognition and a cash prize.
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is once again recognizing and honoring entrepreneurs and business owners of the Valley. The entry portal for its fifth annual WRTA Small Business Awards is now officially open and accepting nominations.
“Small business is the backbone of America and of the Mahoning Valley.” — Dean Harris.
“Small business is the backbone of America and of the Mahoning Valley.” says Dean Harris. “They take the risks and get little recognition. Yet, while large corporations get the headlines, small business quietly employs more than half of the local workforce.” Harris added: “We’re proud to transport the workforce of these businesses. Now we can help them get the recognition they deserve and create some awareness of what they offer.”
| The WRTA Small Business Awards — now in its fifth year — promotes and honors local small businesses, their owners and employees. Local small businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic will be chosen by a special panel and recognized at Thursday May 28, 2026 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown.
Winners receive an award and dinner, recognition from the State of Ohio plus a shared 90-Day Marketing Campaign with TV, Bus Advertising and Social Media. Award Winners automatically qualify to win the WRTA 2026 Small Business of the Year. This winner will receive a separate six month marketing campaign and $1,000 cash prize. |
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Nominate your business now for consideration to win the 5th Annual WRTA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS. Just complete the short entry form below by May 14, 2026.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Entries are accepted until midnight May 14, 2026. Entries are reviewed by our panel of local volunteers who vote to determine the award winners. You could be contacted with a follow up questions if needed.
Award winners are notified by email between 3 and 5pm on May 15. You must reply within 24 hours and confirm your acceptance of the award and attendance at the awards event. If your reply is not received within 24 hours, we will contact the next runner up. Only those who confirm via email within 24 hours will receive the award.
Notification emails will come from George Farris, CEO of Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social. Farris Marketing produces the awards campaign for WRTA.
WATCH FOR AN EMAIL FROM: gffarris@FarrisMarketing.com or a TEXT from 330-770-9496
Check spam filters if you do not see an email from that address. You can also email George questions.
On Sunday, May 17, confirmed winners will be listed on WRTAonline.com, on WRTA social media and will be sent to the press. If you did not win, you will receive an email asking you to try again next year.
Best of Luck to You!
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2025 WRTA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
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