COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) - Ohio's Treasurer is traveling the state talking up what he says could be one of the first programs of its kind in the country to help small businesses.

It's called "The Buckeye Business Advantage" and is for small companies with their headquarters here in Ohio, and employing 150 or fewer workers.

Businesses could apply for two-year loans of up to $1 million, with the state working with local banks to offer lower interest rates.

The money could then be used to pay for expansions, to hire more staff or to make other improvements.

"All we do is we put a $1 million CD with that financial institution as part of our investment portfolio. Instead of having a 4% interest rate on that CD, we accept 1% interest rate with the understanding that the financial institution wi

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