Seven small businesses across Northwest Ohio received funding assistance in the fourth quarter of 2025 to support expansion and operational growth. Through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant, $225,000 in funding was awarded, leading to the creation of 57 new jobs and the retention of 90 positions.
The grant program helps small businesses accelerate growth by providing funding for projects where JobsOhio’s support plays a key role in making the investment possible. As the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties, the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) facilitates this program in Northwest Ohio, connecting local entrepreneurs and communities to valuable resources that drive growth and strengthen the region’s economy.
“Small businesses are the foundation of the Northwest Ohio economy. We are proud to offer our support to these companies, particularly with the JobsOhio Small Business Grant which provides financial assistance to businesses looking to invest and grow their operations.”
– Dean Monske, president & CEO, RGP
Eligible businesses include those with annual revenues between $100,000 and $25 million, at least one year of operating history within one of JobsOhio’s 10 targeted industries that primarily serve B2B markets, and are planning a qualified investment.
The following Northwest Ohio companies received JobsOhio Small Business Grants in the fourth quarter of 2025:
- JB Custom Concepts (Ottawa, Putnam County) – Second-generation family-owned business specializing in lighting and steel fabrication. This necessary expansion will help meet growing customer demand, add new workers and enhance product offerings.
- Marsha’s Buckeyes (Perrysburg, Wood County) – Company specializes in the production of candies and specifically buckeyes, provides them to retail, schools, and online. Expansion will include purchase of new M&E including dipping and cooling machines.
- Maumee Pattern Company (Toledo, Lucas County) – Company is a leading manufacturer of foundry tooling for the metal casting industry in North America, with plans to expand operations due to increased demand.
- Forge Fire & Company (Bucyrus, Crawford County) – Company manufactures fire training towers, safety props and burn rooms for first responders and military applications. Project requires installation of heating equipment and other improvements while improving ability to consistently produce quality products for fire departments across country.
- River East Custom Cabinets (Toledo, Lucas County) – Company manufactures custom laminate and solid surface cabinets, specializing in commercial casework projects. Expansion will help accommodate the growing needs of business, allowing for increased operational capacity and improved workflow efficiency
- Cook Carriers (Alvada, Seneca County) – Regional freight carrier undergoing project that will expand operations from just distribution to trucking, dispatching and all resulting operational positions.
- VCC Industries (Findlay, Hancock County) – Company is a leader in designing and renovating, millworking and cnc work for custom cabinetry for the construction industry. Company is expanding on its campus as new facility is needed based on growth of current market and customers.
Overall in 2025, the RGP facilitated 31 Small Business Grants for area companies, which resulted in 133 new jobs and $925,000 in program funding.
Since JobsOhio introduced the program in 2020, the RGP has helped 138 Northwest Ohio businesses secure $4.3 million in grant funding, leading to the creation of 562 new jobs.
For more information about the program, visit https://rgp.org/jobsohio-small-business-grant/.
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.