Youngstown & Ohio - Youngstown Council members approved $1 million for the new Facade Grant program.

This program provides grants to businesses to improve the appearance of their property. The program will match any funds the business pays for facade improvements. Councilman Julius Oliver says the amount will help dozens of businesses needing a fixer-upper but knows it can't reach every property.

"If the owner puts in $5,000, the city will match it $5,000," explained Julius Oliver, 1st Ward Councilman. "If you put in $40,000, we'll match it $40,000. It's not a large pot when it comes to trying to get every building or every entrepreneur and business in the city right, but it will help."

Council also approved $2 million for its Revolving Loan Fund Program. This provides gap financing to help small businesses in the city continue to grow.