Industries
Find your niche and get started today
Ohio's economy is a cross-section of the global economy, ranging from commercialized medical research technologies to some of the world's largest fashion brands. Banks, manufacturers, food producers and countless other sectors choose Ohio to succeed.
We've narrowed our focus to nine specific sectors, based on local expertise, targeted incentives, logistical advantages and documented success. Any company can succeed in Ohio, but if you're fortunate to be in one of these industries, you could have an even faster path to success.
Access To Markets
Move parts and products faster than you thought possible.
Ohio is recognized globally for its fast, effective routing of goods and services worldwide. Multi modal and centrally located, Ohio’s logistical infrastructure is designed to move parts and products in and out remarkably fast.
RAIL
With more than 5,000 miles of track, Ohio has the fourth largest network of operating railroads in the United States.
PORTS
Nine ports on Lake Erie (in addition to many terminals along the Ohio River) rank Ohio as the fourth largest maritime state by tonnage moved — more traffic each year than goes through the Panama Canal.
HIGHWAY
With eight major interstate highways, Ohio has the nation’s fourth largest interstate highway system. We offer easy southbound access through the Mid-Atlantic states to the Southeast. Our east-west corridors traverse the country from coast to coast.
AIR
We’re home to five international airports and three major regional airports. Three air cargo hubs provide seamless air-to-rail, air-to-highway and air-to-water transport connectivity.
If you can create it, we can move it.
Learn more about Ohio’s logistics advantages.
Key Advantages
So many reasons to grow your business here
Tax Reform That Lowers Your Cost of Business
Ohio’s Governor and state legislature have worked hard to lower the tax burdens that can stand in the way of commercial progress. Recent changes include eliminated corporate income and franchise taxes, taxes on new machinery, equipment and inventory, and out-of-state sales tax.
Massive, Diverse GDP
Ohio’s Gross Domestic Product for 2010 is estimated at $477.7 billion, up nearly 25% from 2001 and 43.0 percent from 1997. Ohio is the 8th largest source for Gross Domestic Product in the U.S. If Ohio were a separate country, it would be the 27th largest national economy in the world.
Ready Workforce and World-Class Education System
Ohio’s total labor pool is 5.9 million people and is home to some of the nation’s best universities, large and small. Our 200 institutions of higher learning are more than any other state on a per-capita basis.
Executive Talent and Infrastructure
Sixty-seven of the Fortune 1,000 list of largest U.S. companies are based in Ohio – The 5th in the nation. Ohio is home to nine major banks and insurance companies, second only to New York in terms of concentration in a single state.
Lower Cost of Import/Export
Ohio’s 10 foreign-trade zones help companies reduce operating costs while increasing profits. Foreign goods may be admitted to an Ohio Foreign-Trade Zone without being subject to customs duties or other import-related taxes.
Easy And Affordable
Livable cities, large and small
Ohio is the seventh most populous state in the U.S. We’re one of the only states with three major cities (Columbus, Cleveland, and Columbus, with a combined metropolitan population of nearly 6 million), which offer low costs of living and a wealth of cultural, educational and recreational opportunities.
Ohio also offers dozens of business-friendly, affordable micropolitan areas. The U.S. Census Bureau defines a micropolitan city as a community with 10,000 to 50,000 people with a largely self-sustaining local economy.
Ohio ranks first in the nation for number of attractive micropolitans for capital investment, according to a new report by Site Selection magazine, one of the nation’s leading location assistance publications.
Micropolitan areas offer high quality lifestyle with a lower cost of living. Which means your employees and leadership will experience better housing, shorter commutes, and easier access to all of life’s necessities: healthcare, education, culture and entertainment. It’s a significant advantage.
Site Selection
Narrow your building and location choices
Discover why Site Selection magazine picked Ohio as the top state to locate a business four years in a row. JobsOhio Consultants will quickly provide the economic, geographic and other data you need to make an informed decision, and connect you with the industry, funding and political partners you need to move fast.
Ohio's Economic Regions
You'll find the sites and resources you need here
Anchored by Ohio’s major metropolitan areas, the state is comprised of geographic regions with specific industry strengths and resources. Together, they form The JobsOhio Network, a partnership of development professionals with the local contacts and expertise you need. They’ll help you explore expansion or relocation options, connect you with available funding, and plug you in with leaders who are experiencing success in these regions right now.
WESTERN REGION
Dayton Development Coalition
(800) 241-2469
Explore the possibilities in the western section of Ohio, where you’ll find a thriving tech sector, easy access to transportation and an enviably low cost of living in Dayton, Springfield and neighboring cities.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Cincinnati USA Partnership
(513) 579-3100
Home to 10 Fortune 500 companies and 2.1 million people, the Cincinnati region represents a dynamic intersection of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Just a one-hour flight from half the U.S population.
CENTRAL REGION
Columbus 2020
(614) 225-6063
Central location, educated workforce, and economic diversity. The thriving state capitol and surrounding central Ohio counties has the highest growth rate in the state. Learn about its ambitious economic strategy.
NORTHWEST REGION
Regional Growth Partnership
(419) 252-2700
Representing northwest Ohio and advocating for business development in Toledo and surrounding cities. Easy access to Great Lakes seaports, major interstates, and one of the busiest cargo airports in the U.S.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth
(614) 224-6446
A new regional partnership born from recent Third Frontier funding to develop business opportunities in the southeast regional Ohio.
NORTHEAST REGION
Team NEO/Cleveland+
(216) 363-5400
Team NEO advances the economic goals of northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and surrounding communities. Discover the opportunities in this region of more than 4 million residents and an economy of $140 billion.
Contact
The best way to learn about Ohio is to see us in action.
