JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY--- New businesses are starting to spring up in downtown Johnstown, 12 in 2012 and one in 2013 just a week into the New Year.
"We've been very active with our loan programs and applications that come through," said Joshua Summits, Johnstown Economic Development Specialist.
City officials and JARI are working to help bring new life back into the business district.
"We're seeing a lot businesses pop up and do well," said Summits. "People are seeing we have a strong urban core- its good for the region and city."
Two businesses that are seeing good financial gains since setting up in the city are the Franklin Street Bar & Grill and FWA Gym.
"When we first came we saw this as a diamond in the rough," said Dana Dickert, co-owner of the restaurant. "We were unable to get traditional loans, the city and JARI helped us do that."
"JARI gave me direction and aid when we purchased the building and added some new programs," said Oscar Cashaw, Executive Director of Flood City Youth Fitness Academy, Owner of FWA. "They played a good part in were I am at today."
"I think there is a lot of potential for growth in this community," said Dickert.
Coffee shop, library renovation, Rocco's and Piece of Cake have also made the business district its new home.
"We've been very active with our loan programs and applications that come through," said Joshua Summits, Johnstown Economic Development Specialist.
City officials and JARI are working to help bring new life back into the business district.
"We're seeing a lot businesses pop up and do well," said Summits. "People are seeing we have a strong urban core- its good for the region and city."
Two businesses that are seeing good financial gains since setting up in the city are the Franklin Street Bar & Grill and FWA Gym.
"When we first came we saw this as a diamond in the rough," said Dana Dickert, co-owner of the restaurant. "We were unable to get traditional loans, the city and JARI helped us do that."
"JARI gave me direction and aid when we purchased the building and added some new programs," said Oscar Cashaw, Executive Director of Flood City Youth Fitness Academy, Owner of FWA. "They played a good part in were I am at today."
"I think there is a lot of potential for growth in this community," said Dickert.
Coffee shop, library renovation, Rocco's and Piece of Cake have also made the business district its new home.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.