Ohio Business Road Map

The Ohio Business Roadmap is a step-by-step guide and comprehensive checklist that details the key tasks, regulations, and resources needed to successfully launch a business in the state of Ohio. It acts as a navigational tool for entrepreneurs by consolidating information from multiple state agencies.

The Roadmap is primarily hosted by the Ohio Secretary of State's office but involves a collaboration of many state partners, including the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and the Ohio Business Gateway.

Core Function and Benefits

The Roadmap is essential for early-stage entrepreneurs, as it guides them through the process from concept to compliance by outlining tasks such as:

• Legal Structure and Registration: Directions for choosing a business entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.) and filing registration documents with the Ohio Secretary of State.
• Tax Requirements: Information on obtaining a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation for sales tax, withholding, and Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).
• Hiring and Labor: Links to ODJFS for unemployment taxes and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) for coverage.
• Licensing and Permits: Guidance on securing necessary Vendor's Licenses and any required professional or occupational licenses.

The Roadmap directs users to the correct state forms and online portals (like the Ohio Business Gateway) to streamline the compliance process.

Link: https://ohio.gov/business/resources/start-a-business (The official "Start a Business" portal where the Roadmap content is housed)