YOUNGSTOWN - New programs are launching, specifically dedicated to help small businesses in the City of Youngstown and within the next few months, individual business owners could have over $100,000 dollars of help. 

Whether a company wants to upgrade its facade, or receive a revolving loan, $3 million dollars of federal Covid funds is set aside for those two things. 

Local businesses like Goldies Flower Shop and YO Legends Barbershop said they are all about the boost. 

"Anytime there's money available in the city of Youngstown for businesses, I'm just elated," Owner of Goldie's Flowers Shop, George Williams said. 

Organization Valley Partners is working with the city to facilitate the program.

In order to qualify for the facade funds, the business must be a commercial property in city limits, with plans to stay put. To upgrade your facade, the city will match whatever you can front up to $20,000 then 20 percent of the loan is forgiven each year moving forward until you owe nothing.

"As long as they stay in that location and remain open, it will be forgiven every year and on the 5th year the balance will be zero," Valley Partners Executive Director Teresa Miller said. 

Facade upgrades include new lighting, parking pavement, signage, landscape and more.

Business owners can also apply for a 3-4 percent interest, five to seven-year revolving loan up to $150,000 targeted for those still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We want to help our businesses thrive here in this community, so we want to help them sustain what we are doing now through our revolving loan fund, but we also want them to be attractive too," Nikki Posterli, Director of Community, Planning and Economic Development said. 

Click here to read more information and the criteria. Applications open Tuesday, January 17.