Funding & Incentive Updates from ODJFS

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services offers a variety of funding and incentives.  Here's an overview.

BWC Safety Grants - Open for Applications

As of July 1, 2025, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Safety Grants are accepting applications for multiple programs:

Safety Intervention Grant (SIG)

• For Ohio private or public employers covered by the State Insurance Fund.
• Funds equipment that significantly reduces workplace injuries/illnesses.
• Match: BWC pays $3 for every $1 you contribute.
• Max award: $40,000 per 3-year cycle.
• Reporting: One-year case study required after project implementation.
• Details: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants/safety-grants.

Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEG)

• New for FY 2026: Volunteer EMS units are eligible for turnout gear.
• Covers diesel exhaust systems, PPE extractors/washers, barrier hoods, turnout gear, drying machines, and washable gloves.
• Details: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants/feeeg

School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)

• Supports licensed preschool-12th grade educational facilities.
• Funds safety/security equipment to protect staff and students.
• Max award: $40,000 per 3-year cycle.

Body Armor Grant

• For law enforcement agencies to purchase protective vests.
• Max award: $40,000 (FY 2019-2025 combined) with 25% local match.

Awarded Local Grants

City of Kenton - Detroit Street Reconstruction Phase 2

• Replaces/adds pedestrian facilities in coordination with ODOT resurfacing.
• Award: $513,600

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

• A federal tax credit for employers who hire individuals from targeted groups.
  • Veterans; Short- and Long-term Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); 18-39 year old Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food assistance) Recipients; Long-term Unemployed; 18-39 year old Designated Community Residents; Vocational Rehabilitation Referral; Ex-Offenders; and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients.
• Hardin County had 61 credits issued, valued at $159,600 over the past year.

Federal Bonding Program

• Provides $5,000 free fidelity bond coverage for at-risk hires.
• Covers the first six months of employment against theft/fraud.
• No cost to employer or job seeker.
• Info: https://www.bonds4jobs.com | 1-855-459-3773 | bonds4jobs@jfs.ohio.gov

Workforce Development Opportunities

Ohio TechCred

• For training current employees in technology-focused credentials.
• Must be completed in under 12 months and less than 30 credit hours.
• Reimbursement: Up to $2,000 per credential; max $30,000 per round.
• Hardin County 2025 Total: 197 credentials awarded, $232,309 funded.
• Upcoming Rounds:
  • Sept. 2–30, 2025
  • Nov. 3–Dec. 1, 2025
• Website: https://techcred.ohio.gov/home

Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP)

• Free training for eligible Ohio residents.
  
• Covers tuition, fees, and credential costs.
• Open to all Ohioans, including those within 12 months of release from incarceration.
• Info: https://workforce.ohio.gov/initiatives/initiatives/imap/for-individuals

College Technology Internship Program

• Connects businesses with skilled college students.
  
• Reimbursement: Two-thirds of wages, up to $7,500 per intern (max 10 interns).
  
• Fall Company Apps: Aug. 4–29, 2025.
  
• Student Apps: Sept. 1–26, 2025.
  
• Info: https://development.ohio.gov/business/third-frontier-and-technology/college-technology-internship-program

High School Tech Internship Program

• For employers hosting tech-focused high school interns.
• Reimbursement: Up to 75% wages, max $5,000 per intern.
• Contact SOCHE: soche@soche.org
• Info: https://workforce.ohio.gov/initiatives/initiatives/hstechinternshipprogram

OhioMeansJobs – June 2025 Summary

• Active resumes: 1,423,925 (↓ 19,905 from May)
• Active veteran resumes: 48,459 (↓ 21 from May)
• Employer resume searches: 2,709 (↓ 9.85%)
• Job searches: 10,034,646 (+56,703 from May)
• Military-friendly employers: 8,996 (22 new)

Local Labor Market – Hardin County

• Unemployment rate: 5.7% (State low: 3.8%)
  
• Unemployment claims:
  
  • Aug. 2, 2025: 9 new / 105 continued
    
  • July 26, 2025: 14 new / 105 continued