Economic development is about creating a place where companies can thrive and individuals can enjoy a higher standard of living. JobsOhio plays a leading role in economic development and serves as a catalyst to accelerate growth by investing in communities, helping Ohio’s businesses expand and attracting new companies to the state – all contributing to job creation, greater payrolls and more investment.

A lot can happen in a decade. Ten years ago, Ohio faced the aftermath of the Great Recession with unemployment in the double digits and a net loss of 400,000 jobs since 2007. The state ranked 48th in its prospects for growth and job creation. Businesses were leaving Ohio. Something had to change.

That something came in the form of JobsOhio.

Since its establishment in 2011, JobsOhio has helped to boost innovation and drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio. This is made possible through strong partnerships with regional and local economic development partners, elected and appointed officials, the business community, public and private institutions, the state of Ohio, and countless others.

Over these past 10 years, JobsOhio has helped to:

• Helped over 2,100 home-grown Ohio companies keep and expand their businesses within the State and helped over 500 companies establish a presence in Ohio.
• Create programs to support revitalization.
• Make investments that make Ohio more competitive in in-demand fields, including innovation districts, broadband, autonomous mobility, and R&D.
• Offset the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Improve underserved communities.
• Improve Ohio’s workforce and attract high-quality talent to the state through a variety of talent initiatives.

As we celebrate a decade of difference-making, JobsOhio plans to continue its working with partners to strengthen our state for years to come.