Youngstown kicks off business-facade program, revolving-loan fund

Youngstown will use $3 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds to create two new programs – a city-based Business-Facade Program and Youngstown Revolving Loan Fund.

Valley Economic Development Partners will administer the programs. The Liberty-based nonprofit began accepting applications on its website on Jan. 17. Funding will be available until funds are depleted. The programs will provide financial assistance to small businesses in Youngstown to upgrade the facade of their commercial properties and to help them start or expand business.

Applications for both programs started being accepted by Valley Partners on their website on Jan. 17.

The facade program’s $1 million was contributed by the city of Youngstown American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Valley Partners.

The facade-improvement program is a forgivable loan with a five-year term. Every year a participating business remains open at their location, 20 percent of the loan will be forgiven. Eligible businesses will be able to apply for a match of up to 50 percent of a facade project with a $20,000 maximum.

The Youngstown Revolving Loan Fund provides capital to for-profit and not-forprofit businesses located in Youngstown. Valley Partners is administering the

$2-million program with Youngstown American Rescue Plan Act funds. The target borrower is a small business that has been impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown and having trouble acquiring funds from traditional lending channels. The maximum loan is $150,000, with interest below the current prime. Loan terms are a minimum of five years preceded by a 12-month, interest-only period, depending on loan amount and collateral.

The city is encouraging small businesses to apply as soon as possible. More information on the application process and program guidelines can be found on the city of Youngstown’s website. For more information, contact Valley Partners.

Meijer is revamping its mPerks customer-rewards program. The Michigan retailer said the changes are in response to the success of its digital coupon and rewards program. The enhanced mPerks program will allow for more personalized rewards and savings, with customers earning points for every dollar spent and every qualifying prescription filled, along with opportunities to earn more points. Restrictions apply. For more information, visit www.meijer.com.

The retailer’s Midwest markets will roll over to the new program in phases.

“Meijer is committed to providing value and convenience for our customers, and the changes we’ve made to mPerks expands on both by offering more personalized savings, along with more opportunities to earn points,” said Meijer Vice President of Customer Strategy Derek Steele. “We want to ensure we’re continuing to provide personalized value while also making the experience fun and engaging.”

Customers in Southeast Michigan began making the transition to the new mPerks program on Jan. 16, while the retailer’s other Midwest markets will roll over to the new program in phases through February.

Changes include: n Purchases now earn points, which customers can apply toward the savings of their choice. n Each qualifying prescription filled now earns points, instead of every five prescriptions filled. n Points expire after 90 days, as opposed to 45 days in current system. n Customers choose when and how they want to redeem points for additional savings.

Customers’ existing unclaimed rewards will automatically make the transition to the new program with the same value. Any in-progress rewards, as well as existing pharmacy credits, will be transferred to the new program as points.

Meijer opened its first local superstore in 2021 in Boardman. A second store is currently underway near the Eastwood Mall. Shoppers can enroll at meijer.com/ mperks, or by downloading the Meijer app.

The following list includes programs at Mahoning and Trumbull libraries in February.

Computer education n Beginning Computers 1. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. For adults who have never used a computer. Registration is required. Call to register. 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7. n Beginning Computers 2. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. Learn basic use of a Windows computer. Prerequisites: Beginning Computers 1 or familiarity with a mouse. Call to register. 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14. n Beginning Computers 3. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. Continues the computer education series. Call to register. 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Computer programs & apps n Learn Microsoft PowerPoint. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration is required. 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9. n Intro to Microsoft Word I. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-3998807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. Learn the basics of formatting, editing, printing and saving. Registration is required. 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 11. n Beginner’s Zoom 2. Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road 44515. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration is required. 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20. n Microsoft Word Basics. Newport Library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown 44507. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration is required. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21. n Excel 1. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit. org. For adults. Registration is required. 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21. n Intro to Microsoft Word II. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-3998807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. Continue learning about Microsoft Office. Registration is required. 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 25.

Internet n Internet and Computer Safety Basics. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 201. www.wtcpl.org. Learn about potential threats to your computer and your personal information. Recognize and avoid scams while using the Internet and email. Call to register. 10 a.m.noon, Thursday, Feb. 2. n Internet Basics Class. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration is required. 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. n Email Basics. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 44406. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration is required. 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Technology n One-on-One Tech Help Appointments. McKinley Memorial Library, 40 N. Main St., Niles 44446. 330-652-1704, extension 3. mckinley@mcklib.org. Call to sign up. For adults. 1, 2, 3, or 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21 or March 7, 14, 21, 28. Compiled from local library reports.