Attract Top Talent to Hardin County with the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive
At the Alliance, our mission is to foster prosperity for our members and the community through economic development, leadership, and advocacy. Today, I am excited to share a powerful tool that helps our local employers do exactly that: the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive (JORI).
As Ohio’s economy continues to thrive, access to a steady talent pipeline for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and technical jobs can be a challenge. To help our local businesses compete, JobsOhio has launched an incentive that provides direct financial support to attract out-of-state professionals.
How the Incentive Works
The program offers a straightforward cash incentive for Ohio employers who hire skilled talent from outside the state:
- $15,000 Incentive Payment: Employers establish a typical annual hiring baseline (the average of the previous three years of data for out-of-state STEM/technical hires). You then receive $15,000 for every additional hire relocated to Ohio beyond that benchmark.
- Up to $225,000: Companies can receive incentive payments for up to 15 relocated new hires.
- First-Come, First-Served: Payments are available until program funds are depleted, so we encourage early participation.
- No Strings Attached: There are no restrictions on how your company uses these funds. Examples include signing bonuses, relocation benefits, or expanded recruitment marketing.
Is Your Business Eligible?
To qualify, your company must meet the following criteria:
- Targeted Industries: You must be an Ohio-based employer in one of JobsOhio’s targeted industry sectors (typically formed as a C-corp, S-corp, LLC, or sole proprietorship).
- Ineligible Businesses: Please note that retail, residential/multi-family uses, and entertainment businesses are generally ineligible.
- Eligible Hires: The incentive applies to new full-time (W-2) STEM or technical employees who relocate to Ohio from out of state and establish permanent residency. This includes experienced talent, military-affiliated individuals, and recent college graduates.
The Application Process
- Submit Application: Confirm your business qualifies and apply online at
jobsohio.com/relo - Legal Agreement: Once eligibility is confirmed, you will enter into a legal agreement with JobsOhio.
- Hire & Relocate: Attract and hire your talent. Once they establish a permanent Ohio address, you can request your disbursement.
- Incentive Request: You will submit an online form confirming the hire in a priority occupation and providing proof of their new Ohio residency.
Partnering for Success
While this incentive offsets costs, don't forget about
Our region has already supported 19 companies with these funds, and we want to ensure our local Alliance members are next!
Questions? You can reach out to the JORI team directly at jori@jobsohio.com, or contact our office for more information on how we can support your business growth.
Contact The Alliance:
π 225 South Detroit Street, Kenton, OH 43326
π 419-673-4131
π§
π