YOUNGSTOWN - The WRTA began their "Give Local Small Business a Lift" campaign Thursday afternoon at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown. 

Beginning May 1, WRTA will be sharing the stories of twelve local small businesses to celebrate National Small Business Week. 

The WRTA will be promoting the small businesses with signs on their buses, and on their giant digital sign above Federal St. in downtown Youngstown. They will also promote the businesses on social media. 

During their kickoff ceremony Thursday, the WRTA honored the twelve businesses along the WRTA route that will receive the promotions. 

Derrick McDowell, owner of the Youngstown Flea, was awarded $3,000 dollars, which he donated back to the community.