In 2020, JobsOhio created a statewide program designed to provide financial support for small businesses located in qualifying zip codes and/or owned by minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilities. The JobsOhio Small Business Grant program recognizes that businesses owned by eligible populations may face additional challenges when growing their companies and that those located in eligible communities may benefit from investments and job creation on a smaller scale than communities that experience higher levels of corporate investment regularly.

Already, more than 500 companies across Ohio have received grant funding through the program.

“Small businesses are vital to Ohio’s economy, creating jobs, momentum and opportunities. Assisting Northwest Ohio entrepreneurs through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant drives economic development and growth for the region and the state.”

– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO

Over the first four-plus years of the program, perhaps no region has benefitted more than Northwest Ohio.

The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) has aggressively marketed the program to communities and businesses across the 17-county region. Eligible businesses are defined as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, located in an eligible community, or owned by people with disabilities. The grant is intended for fixed-asset investments in machinery and equipment and real estate investments, including redevelopment and training costs.

Since 2020, the RGP has helped facilitate 88 Small Business Grants worth $2.8 million to Northwest Ohio companies. Those recipients have created 353 new jobs.

“Northwest Ohio boasts an abundance of diverse companies, both small to medium-sized, that generate great prosperity and opportunities for our region. The Small Business Grant allows us to provide needed financial resources to help these businesses continue advancing.”

– Dean Monske, president and CEO of the RGP

Companies in 16 of the 17 Northwest Ohio counties have received grant funding through the program. These businesses represent a variety of industries including healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, IT, food/agriculture, aerospace and automotive.

The momentum for Northwest Ohio has continued through the first half of 2024 with 17 regional companies having received a Small Business Grant, resulting in 59 new jobs and $500,000 in grant funding.

One such company, Elliott Machine Works in Crawford County, is a manufacturer of mobile fuel/lube service equipment. The company will utilize a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant to build a 20,000 square-foot paint facility to meet increasing customer demand. Total investment exceeds $3 million and will lead to the creation of 15 new jobs.

Another recipient, Quality Tool Company in Toledo, provides high quality sheet metal stamping tools and assembling capabilities. In operation since 1954, the company has experienced significant growth in the past five years with new contracts for the electric vehicle market. The $25,000 Small Business Grant will help with the purchase of a robotic welder and the hiring of three new employees.

For more information and eligibility requirements of 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, 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.