Small Business / Entrepreneurship
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Small Business Grants
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), Innovate Ohio, and JobsOhio have provided six grant opportunities. Simple grant applications offered through ODOD support new businesses, restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, and lodging operations, among others. The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant and Innovate Ohio TechCred Program provide specialized support toward operational and workforce growth.
For application assistance, contact the Gahanna Economic Development team: development@gahanna.gov / 614-342-4015.
Ohio Department of Development Small Business Grants (LINK)
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
- Amount of individual grants to eligible businesses determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020.
- Grants available up to $10,000 to new small businesses established after Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020.
- Grants offered up to $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops + other culinary businesses.
- Grants available up to $30,000 to theatres, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums + other entertainment establishments.
- Provides grants up to $30,000 to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations.
JobsOhio Inclusion Grant (LINK)
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted
- Grants capped at $25,000 for companies within some of Ohio’s key industries.
- For businesses who identify as OR support suppliers who identify as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and/or owned by an individual with a disability.
- Eligible projects include: advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy and chemicals, financial services, healthcare, food and agribusiness, logistics and distribution, technology and military, among others.
- Eligible costs include land, building, leasehold improvements, infrastructure, site development, environmental remediation, employee training, engineering services, and information technology, among others.
Innovate Ohio TechCred Program (LINK)
- Applications accepted August 1 – August 31, 2021.
- TechCred asks employers to identify the specific skills they need and the number of employees they want to upskill toward a more advanced position. Then, in partnership with a training provider, the employer can apply online at TechCred.Ohio.gov and the state will reimburse up to $2,000 for the training upon completion of a credential.
- Credentials include business technology, healthcare technology, IoT and cybersecurity, military and smart transportation, construction technology, information technology, manufacturing technology, and robotics / automation.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. By supporting business growth, sustainability and enhancing the creation of new business entities, SBDCs foster local and regional economic development through job creation and retention. As a result of the no cost, extensive one-on-one, long-term professional business advising, low-cost training and other specialized services SBDC clients receive, the program remains one of the nation’s largest small business assistance programs in the federal government. The SBDCs are made up of a unique collaboration of Small Business Administration federal funds, state and local governments, and private sector resources.
Small Business Development Centers
Grow your business in Gahanna. Contact the City of Gahanna Economic Development Team to start the conversation.
Development@gahanna.gov / 614-342-4015.
Workforce Development
Workforce development is an economic development approach that enhances a region’s economic stability and prosperity by focusing on people. There are a number of organizations leading workforce development efforts in the Columbus region. Whether you are a job seeker or a business seeking workforce development assistance, you can find available programs through the links below.
OWD provides information and tools to Ohio’s workforce system. They interpret federal and state law and serve as primary policy-makers for workforce programs. The office administers federal programs that create a comprehensive statewide workforce system of employment services, hiring support and tax credits, and labor market information to employers and workers.
The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio is the Governance and Policy Board for Area 11, Columbus, and Franklin Counties Workforce Development. They are the central hub of connectivity in the workforce system. Their mission is to partner with area businesses and organizations on workforce needs so that people are fully employed at their ability and potential in the thriving central Ohio economy.
Established in 1908, the agency serves people in the two most important aspects of their lives; family and work. This agency is located in Franklin County and is one of only a half dozen Jewish Family Services nationally. They provide a unique blend of mental health and career services to create an effective combination of empowering tools for clients.
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), Innovate Ohio, and JobsOhio have provided six grant opportunities. Simple grant applications offered through ODOD support new businesses, restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, and lodging operations, among others. The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant and Innovate Ohio TechCred Program provide specialized support toward operational and workforce growth.
For application assistance, contact the Gahanna Economic Development team: Development@Gahanna.gov / 614-342-4015.
Ohio Department of Development Small Business Grants (LINK)
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
- Amount of individual grants to eligible businesses determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020.
- Grants available up to $10,000 to new small businesses established after Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020.
- Grants offered up to $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops + other culinary businesses.
- Grants available up to $30,000 to theatres, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums + other entertainment establishments.
- Provides grants up to $30,000 to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations.
JobsOhio Inclusion Grant (LINK)
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted
- Grants capped at $25,000 for companies within some of Ohio’s key industries.
- For businesses who identify as OR support suppliers who identify as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and/or owned by an individual with a disability.
- Eligible projects include: advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy and chemicals, financial services, healthcare, food and agribusiness, logistics and distribution, technology and military, among others.
- Eligible costs include land, building, leasehold improvements, infrastructure, site development, environmental remediation, employee training, engineering services, and information technology, among others.
Innovate Ohio TechCred Program (LINK)
- Applications accepted August 1 – August 31, 2021.
- TechCred asks employers to identify the specific skills they need and the number of employees they want to upskill toward a more advanced position. Then, in partnership with a training provider, the employer can apply online at TechCred.Ohio.gov and the state will reimburse up to $2,000 for the training upon completion of a credential.
- Credentials include business technology, healthcare technology, IoT and cybersecurity, military and smart transportation, construction technology, information technology, manufacturing technology, and robotics / automation.
Education & Training
Ohio Labor Market Information
Education Training provides links to colleges, career centers, apprenticeship information and financial aid information. Click here for more information.
Educational Institutions Information
College Navigator has links to colleges, universities & trades schools in the United States. Visit Ohio Higher Ed for links to public and private universities and colleges in Ohio.
Local/Regional Educational Institutions
Business
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