About Us
Investing Today in Ohio’s Prosperous Future
Ohio's Economic Development Corporation
What does JobsOhio do?
JobsOhio, the state’s unique private economic development corporation, acts as a catalyst for high-growth business investments and job creation that are helping propel the state’s ingenuity and ambitions forward. Founded 12 years ago, JobsOhio is a first-of-its-kind, state-authorized, nonprofit built with private stable financial resources, seasoned professionals with private sector expertise, a statewide network of economic development partners, and the long-term investment outlook needed to attract, retain, and expand businesses, payrolls, and career opportunities across the state.
JobsOhio’s programs and development-ready sites empower world-class corporations, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to build their businesses and careers in Ohio. We collaborate with Ohio’s regional economic development organizations, academic institutions, federal installations, business sector organizations, and the State of Ohio to deliver comprehensive programs and investment initiatives that incubate innovations, enable sustainable economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for Ohioans through the power and dignity of work.
What is Economic Development and Why is it Important?
Economic development activities are designed to improve the financial and economic well-being and quality of life of a community. It can refer to increased wealth, better living standards, improved health care, better educational standards, diversification of the economy, and other aspects of life and business. Ultimately, economic development is the transformation of an economy to an improved per capita income, improving living standards for all citizens.
Economic development is important, especially to the state of Ohio, as a focus on development improves the lives of everyone involved. From business owners to the general population, everyone can benefit when a focus is placed on economic development. Here in Ohio, businesses benefit from a simplified tax structure, diversified industrial base, robust supply chain, central location, multi-modal transportation and logistics infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and research and development (R&D) hubs that ultimately improve the GDP of Ohio and everyone within the state.
We Are Ohio's Competitive Advantage
Unlike any other state economic development organization, JobsOhio has a unique business model. JobsOhio is a nonprofit company with a private funding stream and an independent board of directors. This structure is designed for continuity and long-term stability.
Private funding gives JobsOhio a competitive advantage, allowing us to make long-term commitments. We can also respond quickly to the needs of businesses and communities and provide customized solutions while working discreetly with companies to help keep their strategic and financial information private. We can also put a focus on strategic investments within the state to ensure that every project provides a benefit to the economic development of Ohio. JobsOhio invests in projects that will have a positive impact promising long-term, in-state growth, and good-paying jobs for all Ohioans.
Our role as Ohio's Economic Development Corporation
JobsOhio focuses on building relationships with companies by providing outstanding service at the speed of business. A network of six regional partners and countless local economic development organizations across the state collaborate to ensure companies’ needs are met. JobsOhio, as a nonprofit company, can respond more quickly to trends in business across industries, tailoring and implementing programs and services that meet the specific needs of the companies with which we work.
The industry experts on the management team at JobsOhio connect companies with resources, organizations, academia, and other partners to help guide and strengthen Ohio’s business landscape.
Explore Our Strategic Initiatives
JobsOhio’s mission is to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio. A suite of programs and services has been designed to attract business, retain jobs, and help make the choice to expand or relocate here an easy one.
JobsOhio and its network partners offer several incentives like grants, loans, and services for companies interested in starting businesses, relocating, or expanding operations throughout the state. We work with businesses and local communities to design personalized incentive packages for success.
JobsOhio offers multiple initiatives related to sites and buildings, from revitalization to development-ready and job-ready sites, all with the shared goal of encouraging job creation and capital investment to companies looking to establish or expand operations within our state.
Our SiteOhio program goes beyond the common certified sites process, putting properties within industrial zoning through a more stringent and comprehensive review and analysis than any other state certification process. Available sites are construction ready on day one. Site authentication guarantees all utilities are on the property, have adequate capacity, have due diligence studies completed, and that all state and federal entities have provided concurrence with the studies.
JobsOhio seeks to establish Ohio on the leading edge of technology and attract the best and brightest companies and talent to drive Ohio’s future. Our innovation initiatives boost Ohio’s competitiveness and leverage the state’s lifestyle desirability to make Ohio the Midwest’s magnet for entrepreneurs, inventors, and industries.
JobsOhio’s robust talent and workforce strategy combine proactive talent attraction, talent growth and retention, company talent support, and upskilling/reskilling initiatives to set Ohio businesses up for long-term growth.
Ensuring all Ohioans have equitable access to essential resources is instrumental to the growth and prosperity of the state. JobsOhio invests in underrepresented populations and geographies by offering inclusive grants and programs to help level the playing field and promote economic development, and connect people to career-building resources.
Act with Integrity
Value All People
Make a Difference
Accountability & Transparency
Unique Funding Model
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation wholly funded by an independent private source –the profits from the JobsOhio Beverage System (JOBS) liquor enterprise –that JobsOhio purchased in 2013 and manages today.
JOBS liquor profits provide a stable funding source which allows JobsOhio to utilize a longer-term horizon for funding economic development activities. No public or taxpayer dollars are used.