YOUNGSTOWN - On Wednesday morning, the city of Youngstown hosted its first Business Solutions Summit to discuss city-wide resources tailored for business owners, hoping to foster better partnerships with the local business community.

Several agencies in Youngstown such as Valley Partners, Youngstown Business Incubator and Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber collaborated with the city to provide helpful tools for businesses. 

Local organization leaders discussed business planning and advising, grant programs and banking partnerships for loans.

Valley Partners is administering a revolving loan fund to help catapult business. Included with the loan is a 3% interest rate on a loan up to $150,000.

Programs like the Facade grant fund  assists small businesses throughout the city of Youngstown.

The director of Youngstown Community Planning and Economic Development, Nikki Posterli says teaming up with organizations like Valley Partners provides a wealth of services for business owners.

"We don't want businesses to have to bounce all over themselves. We'll be able to give them a warm handoff to another partner to help them thrive," Posterli said. 

Contact the Youngstown Community Planning and Economic Development department to help get your businesses started.