Ohio: Start it Here. Protect What You’ve Built.

Ohio has a rich history of innovation where big ideas take root and grow. Whether you’re launching a small coffee shop, an innovative tech startup, or a manufacturing company that will employ hundreds, our state offers everything you need to get started quickly and succeed for the long haul. 

One of my top priorities as your Secretary of State is to make sure starting a business in Ohio is as convenient, fast, and affordable as possible. You shouldn’t have to fight through unnecessary red tape or confusing paperwork to turn your dream into a reality. That’s why our online business portal is designed to be simple, efficient, and user-friendly. In most cases, you can file the paperwork to create your business in less than 15 minutes—without ever leaving your home or office, and your filing will be processed in just a day or two. While the costs of many aspects of doing business have certainly risen, at just $99, the cost to start your business is among the lowest in the nation and has not increased in over a decade in the Buckeye State. 

But starting your business is just the first step. The next—and more difficult—step is to grow your business and protect what you’ve built. Too often, small businesses overlook the risks posed by cyber threats, identity theft, and business fraud. Unfortunately, these threats are real, and they can be devastating. 

Our office is here to help. As the keeper of Ohio’s business records, we see firsthand how criminals attempt to exploit companies by stealing business identities, filing false documents, or tricking owners into disclosing sensitive information or paying for services our office provides for free or very inexpensively. That’s why we offer tools and resources to help you guard against these dangers. 

One simple, yet effective, first step is to take advantage of our Business Filing Notification System. This free service sends you an email anytime a new filing is made on your business record—whether you made it or not. It’s a simple way to catch suspicious activity early and take action before real damage is done. 

Through our Cyber Security Basics for Small Businesses conferences, we partner with industry experts to help educate business owners on basic cybersecurity practices. Simple steps like using strong, unique passwords for your business accounts, keeping your operating systems and software updated, and training your employees to spot phishing attempts and other scams often make a huge difference. The criminals targeting Ohio businesses are clever, but with a little preparation, you can stay ahead of them. 

Our team also works closely with local chambers of commerce, small business development centers, and law enforcement to ensure business owners have access to training and best practices. Whether it’s learning how to spot fraudulent invoices, securing your Wi-Fi network, or making sure your business filings are in order, we want to make sure you have the tools you need to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. 

Ohio was recently ranked in the top five best states to do business, and it’s no accident. We pair a low-cost, business-friendly environment with a commitment to protecting businesses from the threats that can derail success. These advantages, combined with Ohio’s best-in-class economic development model led by JobsOhio, have led to record job growth and investment in our state.

If you’re ready to start your business—or if you already own one but want to strengthen your defenses—visit OhioSoS.gov/businesses. Our team is ready to help you launch your dream, keep it safe, and ensure Ohio remains among the best states in the nation for business.