Ohio's economic success is built on a powerful cycle of mutual growth between small businesses and large employers.
A strong small business community helps attract large employers, and the presence of large employers creates the conditions for even more small businesses to grow and succeed. Together, they create jobs, strengthen local communities, encourage innovation, and build a more resilient economy.
Nationally, small businesses employ roughly half of the private-sector workforce and continue to account for a significant share of new job creation. In Ohio, these companies play a critical role in supporting economic growth and ensuring long-term prosperity.
Large companies don't choose Ohio solely based on sites, workforce, and incentives. They also look for a strong business ecosystem that includes innovative small businesses and suppliers that can support their operations from day one. A robust network of local businesses gives companies confidence that they can build and scale robust supply chains in Ohio. When Intel chose Ohio in 2022 for its next chapter of growth, the semiconductor manufacturer noted the state’s network of suppliers, including small businesses, as a key advantage. More than 350 existing Ohio businesses from across 47 counties are already part of Intel’s supply chain, and the project is expected to bring additional businesses to the state.
At the same time, every major business investment creates new opportunities for small businesses. As large employers expand, they generate demand for local suppliers, contractors, professional services, logistics providers, and other entrepreneurs. Leaders from Miami Valley Metal Recycling in Dayton and Synergy Solutions Vehicle Care in Uniontown participated in the JobsOhio Small Business Academy, powered by Aileron, and attribute the growth of larger companies in Ohio to helping sustain their operations.
“Any exposure to manufacturing and new construction is economic growth for people in all industries,” said Miami Valley Metal Recycling President Terrence Williams. “When new companies are building, they have scrap and excess material. That gives me an opportunity to pay them, so they get a rebate on their new construction project.”
Ohio's economic development strategy isn't about choosing between supporting small businesses or attracting large employers. The state’s long-term growth needs both. JobsOhio, Ohio’s private economic development corporation, supports small businesses through dedicated programs designed to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their operations. To strengthen its impact, JobsOhio has partnered with established organizations that already serve the small-business ecosystem, including Lightship Foundation, Aileron, and ThinkMODA.
Lightship Bootcamps provide entrepreneurs with intensive business training, mentorship, and resources to accelerate growth and improve long-term business success. The program helps founders strengthen business fundamentals while building connections to investors, advisors, and peers.
The JobsOhio Small Business Academy, powered by Aileron, delivers practical education and leadership development opportunities for business owners seeking to build stronger organizations, improve operational performance, and prepare for sustainable growth.
Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for many growing companies, and the JobsOhio Small Business Grant helps address it by providing financial assistance to eligible businesses looking to expand. Since the program’s launch in 2020, JobsOhio has distributed 667 grants to small business owners across Ohio, helping create and retain more than 13,000 jobs.
As Ohio continues to compete for business investment, supporting small businesses remains essential. Through strategic partnerships, targeted grant programs, and entrepreneurial education initiatives, JobsOhio is helping ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to the resources needed to grow, create jobs, and contribute to Ohio’s economic future.
Learn more about JobsOhio’s small business resources at jobsohio.com/smallbusiness.
