WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator, Sherrod Brown has announced on Thursday that $1 million in grant funds is coming to Valley Economic Development Partners in Youngstown to help small businesses in both Mahoning and Trumbull Counties grow.

"Ohio workers can compete with anyone in the world and this investment will help ensure Mahoning Valley community residents have the resources they need to remain competitive," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown went on to say that the investment will continue to push for investments that would grow Ohio's economy.

The project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Community (ACC) initiative, which awards funds to communities impacted by the declining use of coal.

ACC's projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development and re-employment opportunities.