It's going to take a bit longer for downtown businesses to get some more relief after hurricanes Milton and Helene exhausted funds from the small business administration, which is a critical lifeline to small businesses.

Downtown businesses were just approved to apply for the money but for now, that payout is up in the air.

Some businesses say they needed the money desperately as they're nine months behind on rent and nearly had to close their doors. Others are understanding of the catastrophic situation, but are also fed up.

"It's a disappointment. It's not gonna be good and I'm kind of holding my breath like the other businesses are down here," Anne Massulo Sabella, owner of Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, said. "What those people are going through is tragic so I couldn't say that you know, it should come to us over people that have lost their homes. The biggest problem that I have is, we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion if this was addressed months ago," she said.

Massulo Sabella said the community has been keeping downtown afloat.

"Without the support of the community, none of the businesses down here would ever be still here," Massulo Sabella said.

At West 34, things seem to be going well.

"We're definitely noticing a change in not having any empty moments in the day here," Gina Pizzulo, West 34 Manager said. "We'd like, we have consistent tables, consistent bar guests here at all times of the day. It would be nice obviously to get more money but we're recovering on our own," she said.

With this weekend's event "The Open" coming up for downtown Youngstown, business owners are optimistic that'll give them a boost.

"We're hoping that, you know, people come down here and then want to come back after Saturday," Massulo Sabella said.

Some of the businesses declined to comment on camera but there is a consensus between all of them that the money would have been useful and they're just hoping to see it eventually.