Ohio Department of Development
Creating a better life for all Ohioans. We are working together to enrich communities and support economic opportunities across Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) administers a diverse portfolio of programs designed to attract, retain, and expand businesses by offering financial incentives and technical assistance. These programs generally fall into three categories: Tax Credits, Loans/Grants, and Infrastructure/Local Incentives.
The ODOD works closely with JobsOhio (the state's private development corporation) and its regional partners to package these incentives based on the size, scope, and location of a business project.
💰 Tax Incentives
These programs reduce a company's tax burden, usually in exchange for a commitment to job creation or capital investment.
- Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC):
- A refundable, performance-based tax credit against a company's state tax liability. It is calculated as a percentage of the state income tax withheld from the payroll of new, full-time jobs created.
- Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC):
- Provides a tax credit for the rehabilitation expenses incurred by owners of qualified, historically significant buildings, encouraging the redevelopment of historic properties.
- Ohio Opportunity Zones Tax Credit:
- Offers a non-refundable tax credit to taxpayers who invest in economically distressed areas (Opportunity Zones) through a Qualified Opportunity Fund.
💸 Loans & Grants
These programs provide capital for expansion, research, and employee development, often filling gaps where conventional financing is unavailable.
- 166 Direct Loan Program:
- Provides direct state loans for land and building acquisition, construction, expansion, or equipment purchases, often requiring job creation tied to the funding.
- Innovation Ohio Loan Fund:
- Offers loans to support capital costs related to research and development and the commercialization of new technologies in high-growth industries.
- Ohio Capital Access Program (OCAP):
- A loan portfolio insurance program that helps financial institutions share risk, enabling small businesses to obtain loans they might not otherwise qualify for.
- Workforce Development Grants (e.g., TechCred):
- While often coordinated with the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, ODOD helps deploy funds for employee training and upskilling in high-demand technical areas.
🏗️ Infrastructure & Local Incentives
These programs focus on local infrastructure and property tax abatement to reduce fixed costs associated with expansion.
- Ohio Enterprise Zone Program (EZ):
- An economic development tool where local governments (county/municipal) negotiate real and personal property tax exemptions on the value of new investments (buildings, equipment) for businesses that commit to job creation.
- Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Program:
- Allows municipal and county governments to offer real property tax exemptions to property owners who renovate existing buildings or construct new ones.
- Roadwork Development (629) Funds:
- Provides funds for public roadway improvements necessary to serve a new or expanding company, ensuring the required infrastructure is in place.
These incentives are competitive and typically require a signed agreement with the state and/or local government before a project begins.
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